28 reported killed more than 100 hospitalised so far
Our Correspondent /AMN
President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Congress president have expressed deep shock and sadness over the collapse of an under-construction flyover that caused many deaths in Kolkata.
Till now officially 18 people are reported killed, over 100 hospitalised and several others feared trapped under the debris in the flyover collapse near Bada Bazar in Kolkata. However, unofficial figure has put the death toll at 28. The tragedy occurred around 2 PM today. By the evening, Army teams took over the charge of the rescue works. NDRF teams, Police, Fire Brigade and others are also engaged in the rescue work. Top officials of the State and city Police administration and Kolkata Mayor coordinated the rescue at the spot.
In his message, President Pranab Mukherjee said, he is sure the state government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to provide all possible help to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones. Vice President Hamid Ansari said, he is deeply grieved and shocked at the tragic loss of life and injuries resulting from the collapse.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, he is shocked and saddened by the incident. Mr Modi said, he took stock of the situation and the rescue operations. Mr Modi said, his thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives. He wished speedy recovery of the the injured.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked the Director General of National Disaster Responce Force, NDRF to rush rescue teams to the spot of under construction flyover collapse in Kolkata. The DG, NDRF has immediately deputed seven NDRF teams which started operations on reaching the site. Two more teams are being mobilized for this operation. Mr Singh expressed his heart felt condolences to the families of the deceased in this accident.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi also expressed “shock and anguish” over the collapse of the under-construction flyover in Kolkata in which 17 people were killed and over 60 others injured. Extending her condolences to the family members of the deceased, Gandhi hoped that the injured are being suitably treated. She has instructed the PCC and Congress affiliates to assist in the relief efforts.
Governor K N Tripathi visited the accident site in the heart of crowded Burrabazar and interacted with the rescue teams and 
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the spot cutting short a district tour to monitor the situation. Expressing grief at the tragedy, she said culprits will not be spared. Leaders from BJP, Congress, Left parties among others also visited the spot and the injured at hospitals.
The state Government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh to next of kin to the victims and Rs 2 lakh to gravely injured people. Rescuers are still trying to salvage a number of trapped vehicles including a city transport mini bus and some taxis when the reports last came in. The administration has opened an Emergency Operations Centre at state Secretariat, Nabanna. The number of this helpline is 1070. Kolkata Police Control Room helpline numbers are: 2214-3024, 94326 24365.
Meanwhile, the CPI-M and the Congress today demanded a high-level probe into the collapse of an under-construction flyover in busy north Kolkata and immediate arrest of those involved in the tragedy.
pix:Anand bazar Patrika