All help being provided at Kolkata flyover crash site: Rijiju

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said all possible help is being provided to the West Bengal government in the rescue and relief operations at the flyover collapse site in Kolkata.

"Central forces are already there for relief and rescue operations. It is a joint effort and whatever help will be required further will also be made available," Rijiju said.

He said providing relief to the survivors was the first priority.

"Two National Disaster Response Force teams are already there and, if necessary, more teams will be sent. Sadly, the number of casualties is substantial and there are many more injured. We have to take care of the injured," he added.

The home ministry is the nodal ministry to handle disaster situations and run relief operations.

Rijiju said all necessary help, including monetary assistance, would be released immediately.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said 14 people were killed when a portion of the flyover under construction here collapsed on Thursday afternoon, burying several vehicles.

At least 17 others were injured.

She announced a compensation of Rs.5 lakh each to the families of the dead, Rs.2 lakh each for the critically injured and Rs.1 lakh for those with minor injuries.