Kolkata: At least 18 people were killed, over 60 others injured and many trapped as portion of an under- construction two km flyover collapsed on a congested road intersection here on Thursday, crushing people, vehicles and hawkers. Here's how the tragedy took place and what all happened after that:-
1)- The incident took place at around noon (12:30 PM) 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. Burrabazar area houses the city's largest wholesale market.
2)- At least a few persons were seen trapped under vehicles, concrete and heavy steel girders.
3)- Several people killed (at least 18 were dead till filing of this report) and leaving scores of others trapped under the debris.
4)- The injured were rushed to hospitals in the vicinity.
5)- A number of vehicles were also crushed under the concrete and steel debris.
6)- CCTV footage showed people, cars, autorickshaws and hawkers coming under the collapsed structure. Some trying to flee the spot were also trapped.
7)- A bloody hand from under a girder gestured for help as people handed over water bottles to survivors pinned underneath.
8)- Two teams of the NDRF comprising about 80 personnel have been rushed to the flyover collapse spot. Four columns of Army personnel (about 300 in number) alongwith NDRF, state disaster management, city police and fire brigade personnel joined in rescue operations.
9)- State chief secretary Basudeb Banerjee announced compensation of Rs five lakh to the kin of each of the dead, Rs three lakh to those injured seriously and Rs one lakh to those less injured. Also, the government will bear all costs for treatment of the injured.
10)- PM Narendra Modi also 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. "It is nothing but God's act," claimed Panduranga Rao of the Hyderabad-based IVRCL Construction company engaged in the flyover's construction, drawing all round flak.
