Kolkata flyover collapse: Dozens trapped and 20 dead

At least 20 people were killed and dozens were feared trapped on Thursday after an under-construction flyover collapsed onto one of Kolkata's busiest roads.

Vehicles trapped under the collapsed overpass CREDIT: SWAPAN MAHAPATRA/AP

Several cars and at least two minibuses were buried beneath metal and concrete after a 100-metre stretch of the elevated road suddenly buckled in the Girish Park area of Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, shortly after midday.

A man trapped amid the debris CREDIT: RUPAK DE CHOWDHURI /REUTERS 

Three hundred army personnel were drafted in to aid firefighters with the rescue operation, which was expected to continue through the night. Thermal imaging cameras were used to identify people still trapped beneath the rubble last night, and heavy cranes brought in to lift giant concrete slabs.

Dozens of people are trapped under mounds of debris CREDIT: BARCROFT MEDIA

The Vivekananda Road flyover has been under construction since 2007 CREDIT: BARCROFT MEDIA

“Monumental tragedy. Rescue ops on. Many feared dead,” said Derek O’Brien of the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress Party, on Twitter.

Gopal Debnath, who survived after being rescued and given first aid by residents, said: "Around 12.30 - 12.45, I suddenly heard a loud noise and everything went dark. I lost consciousness.” 

One resident told NDTV: ”We heard a loud rumble and then saw a lot of smoke.” 

“It was a powerful collapse, sent shivers down my spine. People here are very scared,” said another. 

A general view of the collapsed flyover in Kolkata CREDIT: REUTERS

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal’s chief minister, returned to Kolkata from West Midnappore where she had been campaigning ahead of next month’s state election. 

Building collapses are common in India, where regulations are often poorly enforced. 

Rescue workers cut through parts of the collapsed overpass  CREDIT: BIKAS DAS/AP

The Vivekananda Road flyover has been under construction since 2007, but it has been beset by delays, in part due to complaints over its controversial design, which cuts straight through a highly congested residential neighbourhood. 

Stretching for 1.4 miles, it was intended to one of Kolkata’s longest, connecting Girish Park in north Kolkata to Howrah. 

Rescue workers search for victims  CREDIT: PIYAL ADHIKARY/EPA 

Babul Supriyo, of West Bengal state’s opposition BJP party, alleged that the flyover was being built in violation of rules, without any proper planning. 

"It is complete callousness of the state government. How was the flyover planned in a residential area? It was touching the windows of houses. My aunt lives there," said Mr Supriyo.