Several feared trapped as bridge collapses in south Kolkata, rescue ops underway

The exact number of injured people is still not clear

According to reports, a nearly 200 feet block of the busy bridge collapsed at around 4:45 pm. beside the railway tracks.

Following the incident, local police, fire and emergency services officials and Disaster Management Group (DMG) personnel rushed to the scene and rescue operation is currently underway at the spot.

Several cars, bikes and a bus are under the debris, reports said.

A local police official said that several injured persons have been rescued and sent to nearby hospitals.   

Traffic between Taratala and Mominpur and rail service in Ballygunge-Budge Budge line have been disrupted due to the accident.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is currently in Darjeeling, has directed her machineries to strengthen rescue efforts.

She said: " We are very worried. We are receiving information from the rescue team on ground. We want to go back as soon as possible. There are no flights in the evening, we are unable to do so."

"Our team is focused on relief and rescue work. Our priority is relief and rescue. Rest of the investigation will be done later," she said.

A source in SSKM hospital said that at least 8 injured persons have been admitted at the state run hospital.

The bridge is considered as one of the busiest in the city and connects areas like Behala and Thakurpurkur with the rest of Kolkata.

Girish Park Bridge collapse horror returns to shock Kolkata:

On Mar 31, the under- construction Vivekananda Flyover collapsed in Kolkata's Girish Park area, killing at least 26 people and leaving many  injured.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)