Live: Rahul Gandhi likely to visit Kolkata flyover accident site tomorrow; death toll rises to 24

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi likely to visit Kolkata flyover accident site tomorrow, CNN IBN reported.

Rahul Gandhi likely to visit Kolkata flyover accident site tomorrow #KolkataTragedy pic.twitter.com/j7JTyorL6x

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 1, 2016

Residents of Kolkata on Friday paid homage to the people killed after an under-construction flyover collapsed in North Kolkata near Ganesh Talkies (Girish Park) on Thursday afternoon, ANI reported. A group of people gathered at the tragedy site to offer prayers for the people who lost their lives. At least 24 people were killed and over 100 are expected to be injured in the tragedy.

Brigadier Harish Kukreja on Friday said that the rescue work is in final stage and it seems no more survivors or bodies are left under the bridge. He also appreciated the NDRF, civil administration and other teams for their co-ordination throughout the mission. He added that most of the area has been cleared up and the operation is still underway, ANI reported.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday demanded the state government to hand over the Kolkata flyover case to the CBI. He also said that CBI will look into the matter seriously. He added that the Centre is already providing all the possible help in the rescue operation.

Kolkata bridge contractor IVRCL has projects in Maha, Sena wants probe

Doubts were raised on the construction quality of several projects of IVRCL after the unfortunate collapse in Kolkata. Incidentally, IVRCL has undertaken projects in Maharashtra as well. 

The firm is involved in several road projects in districts like Pune, Satara, Yavatmal, Chandrapur, Wardha, The Hindustan Times reported. It has also bagged several irrigation projects in the state. IVRCL’s website shows that it has a share of public infrastructure contracts in several states including Andhra Pradhesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat.

Shiv Sena demanded that all projects, ongoing and otherwise, in the state undertaken by IVRCL or its joint venture with other firms should be probed on technical soundness. Pratap Sarnaik, Sena legislator said, “IVRCL in JV with other firms is currently constructing several projects in Maharashtra and all these should be reviewed by the government by technical experts to ensure that there is no repeat of accidents on the lines of the Kolkata bridge.”

‘Rescue ops almost over’

“Rescue operations are almost over. We don’t expect to find any more survivors,” said an official. Rescuers worked through the night with cranes, saws and jackhammers to look for those who may be trapped in debris.

Army and disaster response personnel sifted through the rubble overnight, armed with concrete and metal cutters, drilling machines and heat cameras to detect life.

Three cranes working overnight managed to clear some of the wreckage and free access to vehicles with people still inside.

IVRCL official hints blast could have been the reason for the collapse

As the death toll in the flyover collapse increased to 24 on Friday, a local Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandopadhyay courted a fresh controversy on Friday by saying that the flyover should have been “remodelled.” Bandopadhyay added that it was not done as the investment was already made into the project.

“My opinion is that it would have been better if it (flyover) was remodelled,” the MP, who visited the site of accident, was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

Speaking to journalists the MP said that the project should not have been approved at the first place and there was lot of issues among the locals regarding it.

Meanwhile, legal advisor to IVRCL Sheela Peddinti made an obscure remark and hinted that a blast could have been the reason behind the collapse. “The glass was shattered. It could have been a blast,” Peddinti said on Friday.

Pedestrians and cars were crushed under concrete slabs and metal when a 60-metre portion of the flyover suddenly fell at lunchtime at Burrabazar in central Kolkata. Around 90 were rescued, many with serious injuries.

Reports said that forensic Team arrived at the site of the flyover collapse to collect samples. However, TV reports said that the forensic team arrived after multiple reminders. “After 24 hours they are finally here,” a bystander was quoted as saying by Times Now.

Forensic Team arrives at the site of #Kolkata flyover collapse to collect samples pic.twitter.com/DXccD6DBnX

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2016

We have collected all the samples from accident site & will send them to lab for test- C Sarkar,Forensic team member pic.twitter.com/E0rgeT8NlD

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2016

Collapse was an accident, claims IVRCL

At the receiving end of strongly-worded allegations, IVRCL addressed a press conference, in which the firm maintained that the incident was ‘an accident.’ The company said it has no information about the FIR and that it has not been served on them

PIL filed in Calcutta HC on Girish Park flyover case asking for quality certificate of the infrastructure company & its financial stability.

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 1, 2016

Death toll rises to 24

The death toll in the Kolkata flyover collapse has increased to 24, PTI reported. Armymen along with disaster management officials pulled out three more bodies from underneath the rubble.

West Bengal CM’s reaction appalling, says BJP

The day after the flyover collapse in Kolkata, the BJP has also joined the political war of words over the incident. The party’s leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has termed West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s reaction to the collapse as ‘appalling.’ 

Terming the collapse as an instance of criminal negligence, Naqvi said, “This is definitely not an act of God.”

#BREAKING | Officials of construction firm IVRCL likely to be arrested: Govt sources on #KolkataTragedy

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 1, 2016

Rescue operation to continue through the night (NDTV)

Rescue dogs, thermal detectors being used in rescue operation. Six teams currently at the spot, operation to continue through the night, says NDRF chief.

The death toll might be as high as 22 following the flyover collapse in Kolkata according to a Hindustan Times report.

Omar Abdullah calls for safety audit in Jammu and Kashmir

In the wake of collapse of the under-construction flyover in Kolkata, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday suggested a safety audit at flyover construction sites in the twin capitals of the state to prevent any such mishap.

“The accident at the construction site of the flyover in Kolkata earlier this afternoon is extremely unfortunate. My sympathies and prayers go out to those injured and to the families of those killed in this tragic accident,” Omar wrote on his Facebook page.

Read more here .

Three FIRs registered against the IVRCL infrastructure company

3 FIRs registered against the IVRCL infrastructure company including at Jorasanko Police Station.

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

The FIRs have been registered relating to the bridge collapse in #Kolkata today.

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Death toll rises to 17

Death toll rises to 17 as rescue team workers pull out cars at the site of the collapse. Army deployed to assist in rescue efforts, reports Sujanya, Firstpost correspondent from Kolkata.

Will take care of all the expenses of all the injured; need to first focus on rescue operation: Mamata Banerjee

We need to first focus on rescue operation, will see about future course of action later: WB CM on CBI inquiry for bridge collapse #Kolkata

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

This is a very serious incident, law will take its course: WB CM on #Kolkata bridge collapse pic.twitter.com/Wec67VWvDa

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Opinions of engineering experts will be taken in the matter: WB CM on #Kolkata bridge collapse

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

We will take care of all the expenses of all the injured, we hope for their speedy recovery: WB CM on #Kolkata bridge collapse

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Rescue teams working to pull out cars, huge deployment of army

Rescue teams are working to pull out cars at the site of collapse. Huge deployment of army as the place remains chaotic, reports Sujanya,  Firstpost correspondent from Kolkata. 

The accident site has been cordoned off and public has been asked to vacate the area for rescue. A minibus and a school bus are still trapped under the fallen flyover.

The toll has not yet risen and there is also no update on how many are trapped under the rubble.

Strong action against those responsible: Mamata Banerjee (CNN IBN)

This is a serious matter and case of gross negligence. Will take strong action against those responsible, says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

15 dead, over 50 injured: Mamata Banerjee

15 dead and over 50 injured in #Kolkata bridge collapse, says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

I have apprised PM Modi of the situation

Rescue workers said five policemen who were in a kiosk under the flyover are trapped but alive and have been given water through a gap in the concrete debris while they await rescue. According to NDTV, another policeman who was manning traffic under the structure, recounted how he narrowly escaped.  

Reports quoted Anurag Gupta, National Disaster Management Authority spokesman, as saying that it was unclear how many people were still trapped under the debris but said “pedestrians as well as vehicles came under the falling flyover”.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh was quoted as saying, “PM called me up and I apprised him of the rescue operations..”

PM called me up and I apprised him of the rescue operations being carried out by the NDRF in Kolkata: Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/hKSSPe5aEJ

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

All kind of blood groups are available with us.In case of any need do contact please 8585902617. #Kolkata

— Kolkata ℃¡₹¥ Reprise (@TweetKolkata) March 31, 2016

This has never happened before, we are also in shock: KP Rao, IVRCL Infrastructure company on #Kolkata bridge pic.twitter.com/QFG8W9iG1e

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

It was nothing but God’s act

ANI quoted IVRCL Infrastructure company’s spokesperson KP Rao as saying, “45% work was left, one girder missed & second one fell. it is nothing but God’s act.”

IVRCL shares fall by 11%

Infrastructure company IVRCL (IVRC.NS) was building the Vivekananda Road flyover, according to its web site. Its shares were down 6 percent after falling as much as 11.8 percent on news of the disaster.

Immediately after the incident, employees of the company left their office in Hyderabad.

Employees of Infra company IVRCL, which had contract for collapsed #Kolkata bridge, left their office (Hyderabad) when incident happened

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Vivekananda flyover – Problematic since its inception 

The Vivekananda flyover has been facing issues since the operations began in December 2009. The construction is years behind schedule and as of March 2016, over 25 percent of the work was still pending, said this report in The Times of India.

The Rs 164-crore project was supposed to be completed by 2012 but issues with land acquisition has delayed its completion. The Times of India report further added that the project that was to be completed by March 2016 was scheduled for August 2016 for completion.

The design has been changed several times and the residents living around the construction even went to court as the flyover was inching dangerously close to their homes.

Shocked and saddened

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and sadness over the loss of lives in the flyover collapse in Kolkata and instructed all possible central help in rescue and relief operations.

“Shocked & saddened by collapse of under-construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations,” Modi, who is in the US on an official visit, tweeted.

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

Sources said the Prime Minister is in touch with officials in Delhi and has instructed all possible assistance to be extended by Army and NDRF in rescue and relief operations.

Watch: The flyover collapsed at a traffic signal

Shocking footage of the collapse

Latest footage on CNN-IBN, which has been sourced from a local channel in Kolkata, shows the collapse of the flyover.

Our correspondent in Kolkata, Sujanjya says that the three pillars that supported the flyover, which was under-construction, collapsed at a traffic signal.

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi demands CBI inquiry

“This is a clear case of corruption, there should be a CBI inquiry into this,” ANI quoted Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi as saying.

Helpline numbers

The toll-free helpline number is 1070. Other helpline numbers are 22143526, 22535185, 22145664.

NDRF teams working on the spot: Rajnath

NDRF teams are working on the spot of the incident, this is a very unfortunate: HM Rajnath Singh #Kolkata pic.twitter.com/hRUYhk9VtE

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Shocked and saddened by collapse of flyover: PM Modi

Shocked & saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016

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

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016

Troops deployed warn that another part of bridge may collapse

Sources told Firstpost that the troops deployed at the site have warned that the adjoining part of the flyover might collapse. The troops have also told the people to clear the roads underneath.

Army sends another ambulance

According to ANI, the army has sent another ambulance with medics, four recovery vehicles and seven water bowsers to the site.

“The MHA, disaster management agencies always take cognisance of such incidents. The central government has been forthcoming even in the past when there was a natural calamity like this,” Union Minister Jitendra Singh said.

A company called IVRCL had been awarded the contract for the flyover in 2009

According to this 2014 report in The Telegraph , a company called IVRCL was awarded the contract for the flyover on 24 February, 2009 with an 18-month deadline and a budget of Rs 164 crore.

But even in 2014, IVRCL, which had been contracted by the Calcutta Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to build the flyover, had told the state government that “it was in a difficult position to complete the project that is already running 42 months behind schedule with only 69 per cent of the work done so far.”

Vehicles are stuck under debris

Vehicles stuck under the debris of the collapsed under-construction bridge near Ganesh Talkies in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/CvBGQWxi10

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

14 dead, 78 injured

#Kolkata Police confirms 14 dead and 78 injured in the collapsed under-construction bridge near Ganesh Talkies.

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Death toll rises to 14

According to news reports, the death toll in this tragedy has now climbed to 14.

News of flyover collapse extremely tragic: Rahul Gandhi

News of the collapse of a flyover in Kolkata extremely tragic. I hope rescue &relief ops reach those trapped and injured at the earliest

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 31, 2016

My heart goes out to the people who have lost loved ones in this tragedy

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 31, 2016

We will send more NDRF teams if necessary: Kiren Rijiju

“Our team is in contact with the West Bengal government. NDRF teams have been dispatched. We will send more NDRF teams and para-military forces if necessary,” said MoS Home Kiren Rijiju.

“It was a very crowded place. It is a very sad news for us. We will provide whatever support is needed,” he further said.

“State government is already doing whatever is necessary. Central forces are there to take part in the rescue operation,” he added.

“There is a quite a substantial number of casualties. Everything will be done as per the requirements…Monetary requirements are not the priority right now. Rescue and relief is top priority,” Rijiju said.

“Any development projects need to incorporate disaster mitigation concept,” he said.

Our team is in contact with WB, NDRF teams have been disoatched: Kiren Rijiju (MoS Home) on #Kolkata bridge collapse pic.twitter.com/Sm5QNrrEti

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Several hawkers operated under the flyover

Several passenger vehicles, including a bus, were trapped under the debris, as operations were on to clear the rubble and bring out those trapped under.

Huge cranes and other rescue vehicles were pressed into service to clear the debris and bring out the injured.

A PTI correspondent who was at the accident site, saw a number of severely injured persons lying in a pool of blood.

At least a few persons were seen trapped under vehicles, concrete and heavy steel girders.

The incident took place at around noon at the busy Rabindra Sarani-K K Tagore Street crossing near Burrabazar, the trading hub and one of the most congested areas in the city.

A number of hawkers operate under the flyover which is also used for parking several vehicles. – PTI

Several hawkers operated under the flyover

Several passenger vehicles, including a bus, were trapped under the debris, as operations were on to clear the rubble and bring out those trapped under.

Huge cranes and other rescue vehicles were pressed into service to clear the debris and bring out the injured.

A PTI correspondent who was at the accident site, saw a number of severely injured persons lying in a pool of blood.

At least a few persons were seen trapped under vehicles, concrete and heavy steel girders.

The incident took place at around noon at the busy Rabindra Sarani-K K Tagore Street crossing near Burrabazar, the trading hub and one of the most congested areas in the city.

A number of hawkers operate under the flyover which is also used for parking several vehicles. – PTI

NDRF DG briefs Rajnath

According to India Today TV, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has spoken to NDRF DG. CRPF personnel have also joined the rescue operations.

Army reaches tragedy site

Army reaches to assist in rescue work for the bridge that has collapsed in #Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/q1wR0c3007

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

No information on death toll: NDRF

“Our priority is that those who are alive under the debris should be rescued. All kinds of cutters are being used to make an entry,” ANI quoted OP Singh, NDRF DG, as saying. “We dont have the death toll or information on how many are injured. 100 metres of the bridge have collapsed.”

Seven people rescued

Seven people were rescued from the spot and rushed to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. “Two bodies have been extricated,” a police officer said. – IANS

More teams are being mobilised: NDRF

More teams are being mobilised for accident spot in Kolkata, two teams have already reached there: OP Singh, DG NDRF pic.twitter.com/YoLkItTcye

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Very unfortunate incident: Mamata

“This is a very unfortunate incident,” said West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and added that the project was started in 2008 during the regime of the Left Front government.

Mamata Banerjee arrives at site of tragedy

‘Rescue operation very slow’

“There should be a very quick response. No rescue has been done. The rescue operation is very slow. It should be fast and should be done as quick as possible. After that, we can discuss what material was used,” an angry eyewitness told Times Now, as he pointed out that it had been three hours since the accident.

“An entire mini-bus was crushed under the debris,” said another eyewitness.

Army called in for assistance

According to ANI, the army has been called in to assist in rescue operations.

Footage from TV news channels showed cranes lifting cars in an attempt to rescue people from under the debris.

Car being pulled out from the debris of the collapsed bridge near Ganesh Talkies in #Kolkata pic.twitter.com/o3Zx4uvXKd

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee rushes to accident site

According to reports, Mamata Banerjee is on her way to the site of the tragedy.

Visuals of the accident site

#Visuals of the collapsed under-construction bridge near Ganesh Talkies in Kolkata, 2 units of NDRF rushed to spot pic.twitter.com/0r2b83LRnj

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Spoke to DG NDRF who apprised me of the situation: Rajnath

Deeply saddened to know that precious lives have been lost in the Kolkata accident.My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 31, 2016

Spoke to DG NDRF who apprised me of the situation at the accident site in Kolkata. NDRF teams have been rushed to the spot for rescue ops

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 31, 2016

Taxis buried under debris

#Visuals Taxis buried under the debris of the collapsed bridge near Ganesh Talkies in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/rFfDXhecDp

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

MHA in touch with Bengal Chief Secretary

MHA is in touch with West Bengal Chief Secretary, according to Times Now.

We have the equipment necessary for rescue operation: NDRF DG

“We have sent two teams. They have all kinds of equipment necessary to pull people out from the debris,” said OP Singh, NDRF DG.

“Very soon, we will be conducting the rescue operation with the help of state authorities and local police,” Singh told Times Now.

“In such operations, there are challenges. You have concrete falling over. You have to make way to get inside. You have to take care of the safety of your own personnel,” he said. “You have to be very sure about partially damaged buildings also. We have to include all these factors.”

We have the equipment necessary for rescue operation: NDRF DG

“We have sent two teams. They have all kinds of equipment necessary to pull people out from the debris,” said OP Singh, NDRF DG.

“Very soon, we will be conducting the rescue operation with the help of state authorities and local police,” Singh told Times Now.

“In such operations, there are challenges. You have concrete falling over. You have to make way to get inside. You have to take care of the safety of your own personnel,” he said. “You have to be very sure about partially damaged buildings also. We have to include all these factors.”

Political blame game begins

BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya blamed the Mamata Banerjee government for the accident. “We want action to be initiated against the ministers and people associated,” ANI quoted Vijayvargiya as saying.

Mamata ji's govt is responsible for this-Kailash Vijayvargiya,(BJP in-charge,West Bengal) on bridge collapse pic.twitter.com/lCawgt4I4N

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Mamata Banerjee headed back to Kolkata: Derek O’Brien

Monumental tragedy. Rescue ops on.Many feared dead. Chief Sec/Home Sec at site. CM headed back to Kol immediately.This is the update I have

— Derek O'Brien | ডেরেক ও'ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) March 31, 2016

People trying to lift up debris to rescue people

WATCH: Desperate attempts being made to lift up fallen under-construction bridge to rescue trapped people in Kolkatahttps://t.co/qyt7XktjuX

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Two units of NDRF being rushed to the site

According to ANI, two units of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are being rushed to the accident site in North Kolkata to assist in rescue work.

Footage from the site after the accident

Here is an image showing the location of the accident:

(Image courtesy: Google Maps)

‘Collapse sent shivers down my spine’

Eye witness says 'it was a powerful collapse,sent shivers down my spine" after bridge collapses in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/s4igA6gXwH

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Eyewitness recounts incident

Cement & concrete was poured in y'day only, it suddenly collapsed today: Eye-witness on bridge collapse in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/MIx5v8Qtue

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Rescue operations underway

WATCH: Rescue ops underway for those trapped under debris after under-construction bridge collapses in North Kolkatahttps://t.co/t96fZB3Qpr

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Rescue operations underway

WATCH: Rescue ops underway for those trapped under debris after under-construction bridge collapses in North Kolkatahttps://t.co/t96fZB3Qpr

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

150 people feared trapped under debris

The bridge collapsed,I think atleast 150 people are under the debris: Eye-witness on bridge in Kolkata collapses pic.twitter.com/cAyx8IhNDa

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016

Ten people dead

Under-construction bridge collapses in North Kolkata near Ganesh Talkies(Girish Park),10 dead. Rescue operation on pic.twitter.com/vrTn2Lx1ug

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2016