Rescue efforts are underway following the collapse of a warehouse under construction in Kolkata on June 24, 2026. incident has left families of missing workers in despair as they search for their loved ones at the accident site and nearby hospitals.
At least 25 individuals have been rescued from the rubble,but five have been confirmed dead. The exact number of workers trapped beneath debris remains unclear,adding to the anxiety of relatives. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that most of laborers were brought in from Bihar,particularly from the Munger area.
Witnesses described the moment of the collapse as chaotic. Ujjal Kumar, who was resting nearby,recalled feeling a strong tremor akin to an earthquake followed by a loud noise resembling explosion . “I could see at least five to six people stuck under debris screaming for help,” said local resident Biru Das,who participated in the rescue efforts. He and others managed to pull six individuals from the wreckage, but tragically, one of them did not survive .
Family members have been anxiously waiting for news. One man from Basanti,who was searching for his brother Khaleq Sardar,expressed his frustration: “I learnt about the accident at 3 p.m. and since then I have gone to the spot and to the hospital but have found no trace of my brother.” Another relative from Kidderpore reported that he last spoke to his family member on Tuesday night,before the disaster struck.
As rescue operations continue,Chief Minister Adhikari praised the swift response of local residents and police. Eyewitnesses noted that construction on site had been ongoing for six months,with work on the concrete roof of the third floor commencing just three days prior to the collapse. “Many workers might have gone there to check it,” suggested local Sajid, implying that heavy rains may have compromised the structure .
Concerns about contractor have also emerged . Locals identified Asgar Khan, who secured the tender for the construction, as potentially being present during incident. Many workers were reportedly summoned to the site due to concerns about roof's stability. contractor is known to have connections with former Trinamool Congress councillor for the area,Anwar Khan, who was reportedly chased away by locals during the chaos.
The land where the warehouse was being constructed belongs to Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority, which granted a 30-year lease to private firm Behera Brothers starting in August 2024. As the search for survivors continues, community remains on edge, hoping for positive news amid uncertainty and grief.
