10 dead after bridge collapses in India (Updated with video)

An overpass collapsed near Kolkata, India, killing at least 10 people, authorities said. More than 100 people are missing.
Slabs from the flyover, which has been under construction for five years, fell on moving vehicles, according to Sgt. Saurav Benerjee of Kolkata police.

Some people are feared trapped in their vehicles, he said. Construction workers may also be buried under the debris.


An under-construction bridge today collapsed onto traffic moving along the street below near Ganesh Talkies in Girish Park area of Kolkata.
A portion of the Vivekananda Flyover crashed in the congested Barabazar area. Disaster management and trauma care teams reached the spot to rescue those trapped.

Many people are feared to be dead and nearly 150 people are believed to be trapped under the debris. Injured people have been shifted to the Calcutta Medical hospital for medical aid.

Army unit has joined the rescue operation and desperate attempts are being made to lift up the fallen bridge.

WATCH: Desperate attempts being made to lift up fallen under-construction bridge to rescue trapped people in Kolkata here

ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016

Two NDRF units of 70 members have also been rushed to the area to help in rescue operations.

There was little sign of a coordinated rescue operation, with access for heavy lifting equipment restricted by the proximity of buildings on either side of the flyover and heavy traffic.

The flyover has been under construction since 2009 and has missed several deadlines for completion.

Television footage from the scene showed a bloody hand reaching out from under what appeared to be a massive girder. People were trying to hand bottles of water to survivors pinned underneath.

CM Mamata Banerjee has cancelled her rally in West Midnapore and is returning to Kolkata.

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya blammed the Mamata Banerjee government for the bridge collapse.

"Mamata ji's government is responsible for this, we want action to be initiated against the ministers and people associated" Vijayvargiya said.

A loud rumble was heard by the residents of the area which was followed by a huge cloud of smoke.

"It was a powerful collapse, sent shivers down my spine. People here are very scared," said and eyewitness.

Some workers have been pulled out from under the concrete. Civilians are also helping out in rescue operation.

"Cement and concrete were poured in yesterday only, it suddenly collapsed today," said another eyewitness.

The area is considered as one of the most congested areas of North Kolkata.