Five killed, several trapped in Kolkata bridge collapse

International Desk: Majerhat bridge collapse latest updates: A portion of a prominent bridge near the Majerhat railway station in Kolkata has collapsed, trapping several underneath the debris.

Five people are feared to be dead, however, the govt has so far confirmed one death. According to eyewitness accounts, several others are still feared trapped.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is on a visit to Darjeeling, said the priority right now is relief and rescue. She said that police is investigating the matter but a detailed investigation will be done later.

The 40-year-old bridge in the crowded Alipore area caved in around 4.45 pm during rush hour over rail tracks. It runs over the Majerhat Railway Station and connects the city centre to Behala and other southern suburbs.

Several cars and a truck are still trapped under the collapsed section of the bridge and casualties are expected to rise further. Fire brigade, police and NDRF personnel are engaged in rescue work with the help of locals. Seventeen injured persons have been rushed to nearby hospitals.

The bridge connects Behala to other parts of Kolkata across the arterial Sealdah railway line and it runs over the Majerhat railway station.

Source: Agencies

risingbd/Dhaka/September 04, 2018/A K Azad