Three dead, dozens feared trapped after warehouse roof collapse in India

At least three people were killed after the roof of an under-construction warehouse collapsed in the Taratala area of Kolkata, India, trapping dozens of workers beneath the debris, NDTV reports.

The incident occurred while several laborers were carrying out construction work at the three-story building. According to local reports, the roof suddenly gave way, triggering a major rescue operation

Residents in the area began searching for survivors immediately after the collapse, while police, fire service personnel, and disaster response teams rushed to the scene shortly after being alerted.

 Authorities said that six to seven people had been rescued from the wreckage as rescue efforts continued. Footage from the scene showed survivors being carried away on stretchers, covered in mud and debris.

The three victims who were pulled from the site were later declared dead at a nearby hospital.

The fire department said it received the first emergency call regarding the collapse at 12:20 p.m.

“We are following the cries for help coming from under the debris. At the same time, we are assuring the trapped people that they will be rescued soon,” a member of the Kolkata Police disaster management group said.

Officials have not yet determined the cause of the collapse, though allegations have emerged regarding the construction methods used at the site. According to reports, tin sheets may have been incorporated beneath the concrete rooftop structure.

West Bengal Minister Indranil Khan said the circumstances surrounding the accident would be thoroughly examined once rescue operations are completed.

“We will definitely look into the causes of the accident and whether there were any irregularities. But right now, the priority is to rescue as many victims as possible,” Khan said.

By Vafa Guliyeva