The number of people killed after an under-construction five-storey building collapsed in the Garden Reach area of metropolitan Kolkata has increased to nine. Initially, seven casualties were reported, with an additional two declared dead in the hospital late at night. The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed.
The incident follows closely after another building collapsed in the vicinity, where 21 people were buried under debris. Currently, 12 individuals are receiving treatment for injuries, with five reported to be in critical condition.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the site, pledging financial assistance to the affected families and the injured. Mayor Firhad Hakim announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each for the injured.
Opposition leader of Subhendu Adhikari accuses Firhad Hakim of having prior knowledge about illegal constructions and extortion, demanding action against him for the building collapse.