April 19, 2024 09:43 (IST)
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President, VP condole loss of lives in Kolkata flyover collapse
New Delhi, Mar 31 (IBNS): President of India Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives due to the collapse of a flyover under construction at Kolkata in West Bengal on Thursday, which left at least 18 people dead.
In a message to West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, the President has said, “I am sad to learn about the collapse of the flyover under construction in Kolkata in which number of persons have lost their lives and many others are injured."
"I understand rescue and relief operations are currently underway. I am 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, as well as medical assistance to the injured. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons," he said.
Vice President M. Hamid Ansari has also expressed grief over loss of lives in the collapse in Kolkata.
“I am deeply grieved and shocked at the tragic loss of life and injuries resulting from the collapse of an under construction flyover in Kolkata earlier today. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families and pray to the Almighty to give them strength and fortitude to withstand this immense loss. I also wish speedy recovery to the injured,” he said.
An under construction flyover collapsed in north Kolkata's Girish Park area on Thursday which left at least 18 people dead, officials said.
"18 people have been killed in the mishap," West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told media.
Several people are still feared to be trapped under the debris of the bridge.
Rescue operation is currently going on in the area.
The mishap occurred at around 12.30 pm.
A close circuit camera footage showed people, cars, buses, auto rickshaws and hawkers being crushed when the flyover collapsed on them.
Locals rushed to help to rescue people who were trapped under the debris.
K Panduranga Rao of the Hyderabad-based IVRCL, the company which built the flyover, told media that the incident was an 'act of God'.
Several people have been pulled out from the rubble while the injured have been rushed to hospital.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee went to the spot of the mishap and said the guilty will not be spared.
"The guilty will not be spared. We will take action. A very, very unfortunate tragedy. Rescue operation is now our first priority," Banerjee said.
After the mishap, the state government announced a compensation of Rs.5 lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs.2 lakh for those critically injured and Rs.1 lakh for those who suffered minor injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in the US, also mourned the loss of lives in the mishap.
Modi tweeted: "Shocked & saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations."
"My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest," he said.
The place where the mishap occurred is considered to be one of the most congested areas in the city.
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