Kolkata Flyover Collapse Update: Five Officials Detained, at Least 20 Dead

By Mark Aserit 2 Apr, 2016 10:57 EDT

Kolkata accident — Firefighters and rescue workers search for victims at the site of an under-construction flyover after it collapsed in Kolkata. (Source: Reuters)

The flyover accident in Kolkata, India left at least 20 people dead. Five officials from flyover Construction Company IVRCL detained as rescuers focus now on the recovery of bodies.

The Police have arrested five officials from IVRCL Infrastructure in connection with flyover collapse in Kolkata. According to The Tribune India, the Police had registered a case against the construction company under sections 304, 308 and 407 of the IPC. The Police also sealed the local office of the construction firm.

"We have detained five officials of the construction company IVRCL. We are taking action against them," Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar said.

But IVRCL has claimed that it is not responsible for the mishap.

Meanwhile, at least 20 are dead and more are trapped under the concrete and steel bridge. According to The Guardian, the Police reported that 67 people have been rescued to the mishap. Around 90 people were injured in this catastrophic incident. 7 of the 90 people injured were stated to be very critical. Army, Police, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are looking for the possible survivors.

SS Guleria of India's NDRF said they are now in the last phase of their search and rescue activity. They are focused on the recovery of dead bodies and removal of debris.

According to DD News, 20 people died in the mishap. It is also reported that part of the flyover in Barra Bazar collapsed in North Kolkata. The accident happened on Thursday afternoon in Girish Park, one of Kolkata's most congested neighborhoods. According to BBC, the 1.2 mile flyover had been under construction since 2009. And this flyover missed a lot of deadlines for completion.

Witnesses say buses, cars and Lorries have also been hit. There are also people living in makeshift homes under this flyover.

Furthermore, investigators are looking for the possibility of building's poor safety facility. The use of substandard materials is frequent in construction projects in India. And also, lack of inspections from government officials is also a major concern.

It is also said that IVRCL was blacklisted by the Jharkhand government in 2015. But the tragedy of flyover collapse in Kolkata was said to be an "act of god". The statement came from K.P. Rao, a representative of the construction company. He was contracted to build the flyover that must be finished 3 years ago.

See the CCTV footage of the Kolkota flyover accident below.

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Kolkata Flyover Collapse Update: Five Officials Detained, at Least 20 Dead

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues

2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.