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, crushing people, vehicles and hawkers.
“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.
Police said that 18 persons have so far died in the incident in Burrabazar area, which houses the city’s largest wholesale market, while several others were injured.
The injured were rushed to hospitals in the vicinity.
State administration officials said 62 people have been injured and taken to hospital, while several others were feared trapped under the debris.
A number of vehicles were also crushed under the concrete and steel debris.
CCTV footage showed people, cars, autorickshaws and hawkers coming under the collapsed structure. Some trying to flee the spot were also trapped.
A bloody hand from under a girder gestured for help as people handed over water bottles to survivors pinned underneath.
A blame game erupted with the ruling Trinamool Congress blaming the previous Left Front government, which started construction of the flyover when it was in power, and the Left parties hitting back.(Agencies)
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