Flyover collapse: PM Modi directs officials to help WB govt

At least 14 people have been killed and more 78 others have been injured due to the collapse of an under-construction bridge in North Kolkata

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the loss of lives by collapse of under construction flyover in North Kolkata and directed the officials to extend all possible help to the West Bengal Government in the rescue operation.

"Shocked and saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation and rescue operations," Prime Minister Modi said in a tweet.

"My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest," he added.

"Prime Minster Modi is in touch with officials in New Delhi, has instructed army and NDRF to give all possible assistance to the state government in the rescue operation," Government of India spokesperson Frank Noronha told ANI.

At least 14 people have been killed and more 78 others have been injured due to the collapse of an under-construction bridge in Girish Park area of North Kolkata.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal Government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh to next of kin to the victims and Rs 2 lakh to gravely injured people.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General O.P. Singh has said that saving the lives of people trapped under debris of the collapsed bridge in North Kolkata is the top priority of his team.