At least 23 people have died so far and over 80 people have been injured after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed on a congested road intersection in Kolkata. Local authorities claim that more than 100 people may still be trapped under the debris. .
Five columns of Army personnel, about 300 in number, along with NDRF, state disaster management, city police and fire brigade personnel are involved in the rescue operations.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 3 lakh for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to the West Bengal CM about the situation. Modi, who is away in Washington, expressed grief over the tragedy and assured all possible support to the state government from the Centre.
The state government has ordered a high-level probe into the incident.
Camping at the site, Mamata said "it is not the time to play politics. Rather we should work for the rescue and relief of the injured." She also visited Calcutta Medical College and Hospital and inquired about the condition of the injured.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Police registered a case against the Hyderabad-based construction firm IVRCL under sections 304, 308 and 407 of the IPC and sealed the local office of company engaged in the flyover's construction. "It is nothing but God's act," claimed Panduranga Rao of IVRCL, drawing all-round flak. Chief Secretary Basudeb Banerjee said that a high level inquiry has been ordered into the flyover collapse.
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