Kolkata warehouse roof collapse: 50-60 workers trapped at Taratala site
Synopsis
A warehouse roof caved in without warning at Taratala in South Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon, burying an estimated 50 to 60 workers under rubble. With the Army, NDRF, and Fire Brigade cutting through iron beams in a race against time, five of the 13 rescued are already in critical condition — and many more remain unaccounted for.
Key Takeaways
The roof of an under-construction warehouse collapsed at Taratala, South Kolkata on 24 June , trapping an estimated 50 to 60 workers .
Around 13 workers have been rescued so far; five are in critical condition at SSKM Hospital .
The Indian Army , NDRF , Fire Brigade , and Kolkata Police are conducting rescue operations using cranes and gas cutters.
Preliminary reports suggest a problem during welding work; locals speculate heavy rain on Tuesday may have weakened the structure.
A control room has been opened at state secretariat Nabanna ; Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was expected to visit the site.
At least 50 to 60 workers were feared trapped on Wednesday, 24 June after the roof of an under-construction warehouse caved in at Taratala in South Kolkata, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple agencies. Around 13 workers had been pulled out of the rubble as of the latest reports, with five of them in critical condition and shifted to SSKM Hospital.
How the Collapse Unfolded
According to local accounts, the roof gave way suddenly during the afternoon while workers were engaged in welding work inside the facility. Some residents speculated that heavy rainfall on Tuesday may have weakened the construction material, causing it to buckle without warning. Cries from workers buried under the debris were reportedly heard by those at the scene, who began rescue efforts before emergency services arrived.
Agencies Deployed on War Footing
The Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Fire Brigade, and Kolkata Police were all deployed at the site. Cranes and gas cutters were brought in to cut through iron beams and clear sections of the collapsed roof. Rescue personnel were working continuously to extract workers from beneath the rubble, with several ambulances stationed at the scene to transport the injured.
Government Response
State Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul reached the site early and was overseeing rescue operations. State Minister Indranil Khan also arrived and stated that rescue work was the immediate priority. Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Commissioner Smita Pandey and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rakesh Singh were also present. A control room was opened at the state secretariat, Nabanna, to coordinate the response.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who was briefed on the situation, was expected to visit the collapse site later in the day.
What Happens Next
Rescue teams were still working to clear debris and reach workers believed to be trapped deeper under the rubble. The cause of the structural failure is yet to be officially confirmed, with a formal investigation expected once the rescue phase concludes. The condition of critically injured workers at SSKM Hospital will be closely monitored in the coming hours.
Point of View
If confirmed, would point to inadequate material testing and weather-contingency protocols. High-level political presence at the site is visible; what is less clear is whether accountability will extend beyond rescue optics to structural audit of similar sites across the city.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Taratala warehouse in Kolkata?
The roof of an under-construction warehouse at Taratala in South Kolkata collapsed on Wednesday, 24 June, trapping an estimated 50 to 60 workers beneath the rubble. Rescue operations by the Army, NDRF, Fire Brigade, and Kolkata Police are ongoing.
How many workers have been rescued so far?
Around 13 workers had been rescued as of the latest reports, with five of them in critical condition and admitted to SSKM Hospital. Many more are still believed to be trapped under the debris.
What caused the Kolkata warehouse roof to collapse?
The exact cause has not been officially confirmed. Preliminary information suggests a problem arose during welding work inside the facility. Some locals reportedly believe that heavy rainfall on Tuesday may have weakened the construction material, though this has not been verified by authorities.
Which agencies are involved in the rescue operation?
The Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Fire Brigade, and Kolkata Police are all deployed at the site. Cranes and gas cutters are being used to remove iron beams and sections of the collapsed roof.
What is the government doing in response to the collapse?
State Minister Agnimitra Paul reached the site early to supervise rescue efforts, and State Minister Indranil Khan also arrived at the scene. A control room was opened at the state secretariat, Nabanna. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was expected to visit the site later in the day.
