Kolkata bridge collpase: Five NDRF team rush to spot

Five teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been sent to Kolkata for rescuing operations after a bridge in the West Bengal city collapsed Tuesday, killing one and trapping several people.

While four teams of the NDRF comprising about 180 personnel have already reached the spot, another team comprising about 45 rescuers is on its way, Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.

He described the incident as extremely tragic and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The home minister also spoke to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee who apprised him about the ground situation.

He assured Banerjee of more help from the Centre if needed.

The 40-year-old bridge in the crowded Alipore area caved in around 4.45 pm during rush hour over rail tracks. It runs over the Majerhat Railway Station and connects the city centre to Behala and other southern suburbs.

While police confirmed the death of one person, fire brigade personnel engaged in the rescue work said 25 injured were pulled out from the rubble.