One dead, Several Feared Trapped After A Bridge Collapses In South Kolkata

TV Channels report that one person was skilled, 25 persons were injured and several others are feared trapped after a portion of the 40 years old Majerhat Bridge in South Kolkata collapsed  in  posh Alipur locality side on Tuesday.  Many vehicles including two- and four-wheelers were also crushed in the incident. According to the latest reports, rescue teams and ambulances have arrived at the spot. Six people have been admitted to SSKM hospital, while one has been rushed to CMRI. Fire brigade, police and NDRF personnel are engaged in rescue work.CM Mamata Banerjee, who is currently in Darjeeling, spoke to the media. “All passengers of vehicles have been rescued. There has been no confirmation of death. But there was a small office of metro workers under the bridge where five to eight workers were expected to be when the bridge caved in,” she said. Train services on Circular Railway and Sealdah-Budge Budge line have been suspended as precautionary measure following the collapse of the bridge at 4.45 pm, Eastern Railway spokesman R N Mahapatra said. The mishap occurred on railway   track in the adjacent areas of Circular Railway line at Majherhat leading to a signal post on the track being damaged by the debris, Mahapatra said. Train movement on Budge Budge-Sealdah line may be restored after ensuring the safety in train running. Thousands of commuters travelling in the peak evening hours were inconvenienced owing to the incident. Reacting to the incident BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya WB government should be blamed as its PWD Department was negligent in the maintenance. He demanded that the state government resign. The Indian Express quoting sources said the Public Works Department in 2015 had submitted a report where they had mentioned an area of 35m needs to be rebuilt, they even submitted tenders four times. However, nothing was done because the Finance Department never gave a go ahead signal to implement its proposal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Raj Nath Singh have expressed concern over the tragic incident and empathised with those affected. Rajnath Singh also spoke to the CM regarding the bridge collapse She has apprised him of the ground situation. HM assured her of more help from the Centre, if needed. NDRF  under  the Union Home Ministry  has already  joined rescue operation, he said (image courtesy to NDTV).