Kolkata’s Majerhat bridge collapses, rescue operation underway

At least one person was killed and 25 others injured in south Kolkata after a portion of the Majherhat bridge collapsed on Tuesday evening. (Express photo by Subham Dutta)

The rescuers did not find anyone trapped in the debris overnight, but a police officer said clearance operations was on full tilt on Wednesday morning. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is on a three-day trip to the Hills, said she would be cutting short her visit and has ordered a probe by a “high-power committee” led by chief secretary Moloy De, adding that action would be taken against “those whose negligence caused the disaster”. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

The 50-year-old bridge, located adjacent to the Majherhat railway station, was maintained by the state public works department (PWD). It connects the city to the southern fringes and is an important link between Behala and Kidderpore. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Many vehicles including two- and four-wheelers were also crushed in the incident.

According to police it was around 4.45 pm that a portion of the bridge, connecting the city with the Southern fringes including Behala, collapsed. (Express photo by Subham Dutta)

Fire service department, disaster management teams and even army personnel from Alipore joined hands in the rescue efforts.

According to chief minister Mamata Banerjee, nine injured persons have been admitted to CMRI hospital and 10 persons admitted to SSKM hospital. Some people were treated and discharged from hospitals.

Five cars, three motorcycles and a minibus fell down with the portion of the bridge. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Prime minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "The collapse of the part of a bridge is deeply unfortunate. My thoughts are with the families of the victim. I pray that those who are injured recover at the earliest." (Express photo by Partha Paul)

The rescue operation led by Kolkata Police on to search for more victims. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

The forensic team asl arrived at the site of collapse. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Following the incident, circular railway services and local train services in Budge Budge- Sealdah line was distrupted.(Express photo by Partha Paul)

The incident also caused traffic distruption in parts of South Kolkata and South 24 parganas. (Express photo by Partha Paul)