President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari have condoled the loss of lives due to the collapse of a flyover under construction in Kolkata today.
“I am sad to learn about the collapse of the flyover under construction in Kolkata in which a number of persons have lost their lives and many others are injured,” said President Mukherjee in his message to West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi.
“I understand rescue and relief operations are currently underway. I am sure the State Government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to provide all possible help to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones, as well as medical assistance to the injured.
Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons,” he added.
Vice President Ansari on his part said that he is deeply grieved and shocked at the tragic loss of life and injuries resulting from the collapse of an under construction flyover in Kolkata earlier today.
“I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families and pray to the Almighty to give them strength and fortitude to withstand this immense loss. I also wish speedy recovery to the injured,” he added.
At least 21 people were killed and two are critical among the 85 injured in the flyover crash in North Kolkata’s Girish Park area.
The tragedy occurred in the afternoon today. By the evening, Army teams took over the charge of the rescue works. The NDRF teams, police, fire brigade and others are also engaged in the rescue work.
The West Bengal Governor visited the accident site in the heart of crowded Burrabazar and interacted with the rescue teams. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the spot cutting short a district tour to monitor the situation. Expressing grief at the tragedy, she said culprits will not be spared.
The state government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs. five lakh to next of kin to the victims and Rs. two lakh to gravely injured people.
The administration has opened an Emergency Operations Centre at state secretariat Nabanna. The number of this helpline is 1070. Kolkata Police Control Room helpline numbers are: 2214-3024, 94326 24365.
ANI