New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the deaths caused by the collapse of an under-construction warehouse shed in Kolkata’s Taratala area and announced financial assistance for the affected families from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
In a message shared through the Prime Minister’s Office, the Prime Minister described the incident as deeply saddening and conveyed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased victim, while those injured in the accident will receive Rs 50,000 as assistance.
The tragic incident occurred when a portion of an under-construction warehouse structure collapsed, trapping several workers beneath the debris. Rescue teams, including disaster response personnel, firefighters and local authorities, rushed to the site and launched a search operation to locate those trapped.
Officials said emergency teams worked through the night to clear rubble and provide medical assistance to the injured. Several workers were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals, where some continue to receive treatment.
Authorities have initiated an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the collapse. Preliminary investigations are expected to examine whether construction standards and safety protocols were being followed at the project site. Experts are also likely to assess the structural condition of the building and determine the factors that may have contributed to the accident.
The state administration has assured all possible support to affected families and directed officials to ensure prompt medical care for those injured. Senior officials visited the site to monitor rescue operations and review relief measures.
The incident has once again brought attention to workplace safety at construction sites, particularly large industrial and commercial projects where workers often operate in challenging conditions. Labour rights groups and safety experts have repeatedly stressed the need for strict compliance with construction norms and regular inspections to prevent such accidents.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, authorities are expected to submit a detailed report on the incident. The findings will likely determine whether negligence or safety lapses played any role in the collapse.
Meanwhile, families of the victims have begun receiving support from government agencies as efforts continue to assist those affected by the tragedy and ensure accountability for the incident.
