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India: Kolkata flyover collapses 'killing at least 10' | India: Kolkata flyover collapses 'killing at least 10' |
(35 minutes later) | |
At least 10 people have been killed and several others injured after a flyover under construction collapsed in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata (Calcutta), officials say. | At least 10 people have been killed and several others injured after a flyover under construction collapsed in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata (Calcutta), officials say. |
Reports suggest as many as 150 could be trapped under the concrete and steel bridge, which fell on a busy road. | |
Images showed residents using their bare hands to help the rescue effort. | Images showed residents using their bare hands to help the rescue effort. |
Construction projects in India have often suffered from safety issues with frequent collapses. | Construction projects in India have often suffered from safety issues with frequent collapses. |
Experts say there is a lack of inspections and substandard materials are used. | Experts say there is a lack of inspections and substandard materials are used. |
The flyover has been under construction since 2009 and has missed several deadlines for completion, Reuters news agency said. | The flyover has been under construction since 2009 and has missed several deadlines for completion, Reuters news agency said. |
The accident took place in an area near Girish Park, one of Kolkata's most densely populated neighbourhoods, with narrow lanes, and shops and houses built close together. | |
India's collapsing building problem | |
The collapsed structure appears to have hit cars, trucks, nearby buildings and passers-by. People were also said to be living in makeshifts homes under the flyover. | |
Ramesh Kejriwal, an eyewitness, said: "There was a loud sound which scared us. The concrete had been laid last night at this part of the bridge." | |
At least 60 injured have been taken to nearby hospitals, and some of them are in critical condition, a rescue official told AFP. | |
Emergency teams have been sent to the area with sniffer dogs, concrete cutters, drilling machines and sensors to detect life, he added. | |
The proximity of the buildings, however, may limit the access for heavy lifting equipment to the area. | |
On Twitter, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he was monitoring the situation, adding that he was "deeply saddened to know that precious lives have been lost in the Kolkata accident". | |
Are you in the area? Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories. Please do not endanger yourself. | Are you in the area? Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories. Please do not endanger yourself. |
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: | Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: |
Or use the form below | Or use the form below |