Majerhat bridge collapses in South Kolkata, 1 dead; PM says incident 'deeply unfortunate'

Relief and rescue operations are under way.

Picture from the accident site in South Kolkata.

Kolkata: In a shocking incident, a portion of Majerhat bridge in Taratala collapsed this afternoon. Several people and vehicles including buses are feared to be trapped under the debris. The bridge in southern part of the city reportedly connects Behala to other parts of Kolkata. The bridge runs over the Majherhat railway station. Reports say the bridge that caved in was undergoing repair and maintenance work. Latest visuals coming in showed stretchers being taken into the accident site to bring out victims. Relief and rescue operations by fire brigade, police and NDRF personnel are currently under way. Police have confirmed the death of one person.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday termed as "deeply unfortunate" the collapse of a part of a south Kolkata bridge and hoped for the speedy recovery of the injured. "The collapse of a part of a bridge in Kolkata is deeply unfortunate. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. I pray that those who are injured recover at the earliest," the prime minister tweeted. LIVE UPDATES: 

Central Armed Police Force reach the spot where part of Majerhat bridge in South Kolkata has collapsed. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/hPIt3hkoCM

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2018

• At least one person killed in Kolkata bridge collapse: Police

Six people have been admitted to hospital: Firhad Hakim, West Bengal Minister on Majerhat bridge collapse. #Kolkata https://t.co/neP4XmBVLO

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2018

Watching scenes of Majerhat bridge #Kolkata collapse . Devastating. Rescue teams, disaster management teams, Police CP,fire fighters already reach spot. Locals join. Rescue operations on.Prayers for those affected. Difficult to gauge enormity of tragedy as yet looking at visuals

— Derek O'Brien (@derekobrienmp) September 4, 2018

• Army has not been called in but since the area is very close, Army field hospital detachment has been sent: Indian Army on part of Majerhat bridge collapses in South Kolkata. (ANI)

Our team is focused on relief and rescue work. Our priority is relief and rescue. Rest of the investigation will be done later: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Majerhat bridge collapse in South Kolkata https://t.co/E4vwky8g1s

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2018

• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is in Darjeeling curently, has asked Kolkata Mayor Sovan Chatterjee and Minister Firhad Hakim to reach the spot. CM Banerjee said, "Let us focus on the rescue operation. Every single death is unfortunate."
• Injured persons have been rushed to the nearby SSKM Medical College and Hospital.

#WATCH: Rescue teams and ambulances arrive at the spot where part of Majerhat bridge in South Kolkata has collapsed. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/5pgpxSgwke

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2018

Traffic update:- DH Road towards Majherhat Bridge is closed to traffic from NR Avenue. Necessary diversions are on.

— DCP Traffic Kolkata (@KPTrafficDept) September 4, 2018

• An eyewitness said he along with help of others pulled out a victim but unfortunately died in hospital due to injuries.
• A least 10 people feared trapped.
• Eyewitnesses said around 4.30 pm, a portion of the bridge crashing down with a loud explosion.
• More details are awaited.

In 2016, 24 people were killed after an under-construction flyover collapsed in Girish Park, which is one of Kolkata's busiest roads. (Please refresh this page to receive new updates)