Bridge collapse: Search operations continue for survivors

Some people could still be trapped under the debris of the fallen Majerhat bridge, officials said Wednesday, stepping up search and rescue operations a day after a portion of the 50-year-old structure in south Kolkata collapsed.

A part of the bridge on the arterial Diamond Harbour Road caved in Tuesday evening, killing one person, trapping several people and crushing many vehicles.

Rescuers used drillers and cutting machines to barrel through concrete slabs and engaged sniffer dogs to ensure that they reach out and rescue anybody who might be trapped under the rubble.

"There could be a few trapped underneath the collapsed bridge. We are trying to locate them. We are using cutters and drill machines to cut through the concrete slabs of the bridge. Till now, we have been unable to locate anybody. We are trying our best," an official of the rescue team said.

The area near the site has been dug up for a metro railway project and construction material is strewn all over the place.

Labourers working on the metro project claimed two of their co-workers, who were probably inside a temporary shelter underneath the bridge, are missing.

Rescue work by the Kolkata Disaster Management Department, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the state fire department continued through the night.

The bridge in crowded Alipore area runs over the Majerhat Railway Station and connects the city centre with the heavily populated Behala, vast areas of the southwest suburbs and neighbouring South 24 Parganas district.

Police said Tuesday evening that 27-year-old Soumendu Bag had died in the collapse while 21 people, including three women, were injured.

An official of the Kolkata Traffic Police said, "We expect traffic jams because the Majherhat bridge has collapsed. It is the main link between Behala and the further south areas of South 24 Parganas district.

"To avoid traffic congestion, Behala-bound buses and other vehicles availing Diamond Harbour Road from Hastings crossing will be diverted via Khidderpore crossing CGR Road, Hide Road, Brace Bridge, Taratala Road Taratala crossing further South."