Kolkata: 2 dead, 13 rescued as under-construction building collapses in Garden Reach area

At least two people were killed and 13 others were rescued after a five-storey under-construction building collapsed in the Garden Reach area of Kolkata. 

So far at least 13 people have been rescued and a search operation is underway to locate more survivors in the debris that occurred at about 12 am on March 17. 

The victims were two elderly women. They were taken to a hospital but declared dead upon their arrival.

The victim, a local resident, has been identified as Hasina Bibi. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the collapse site and said that "official permission to construct the building was not given by the state administration".

"Rescue work started immediately after the accident. Two people have died, five to six people are still trapped inside. They will also be rescued soon. Officials from medical, fire and other departments are deployed. The building was being constructed illegally. Official permission to construct the building was not given by the state administration," she said.

"Orders have been given to investigate the accident. Strict action will be taken against those who were involved in the construction of this building. The state government will provide assistance to the families of the dead and injured. Houses of nearby people have also been damaged, the government will help those people as well," the Chief Minister added.

An amount of Rs 1 lakh has been announced to the victims’ next of kin by Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim visited the accident spot and Rs 1 lakh for each of the injured people.