India: Kolkata flyover collapses 'killing at least 10'

At least 10 people have been killed and several others injured after a flyover under construction collapsed in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata (Calcutta), officials say.

Dozens of people are feared trapped in the wreckage

Reports suggest as many as 150 could be trapped under the concrete and steel bridge, which fell on a busy road. Images showed residents using their bare hands to help the rescue effort.

The flyover collapsed in busy area of Kolkata

Construction projects in India have often suffered from safety issues with frequent collapses. Experts say there is a lack of inspections and substandard materials are used. The flyover has been under construction since 2009 and has missed several deadlines for completion, Reuters news agency said.

Many people are feared trapped under the rubble

The accident took place in an area near Girish Park, one of Kolkata's most densely populated neighbourhoods, with narrow lanes, and shops and houses built close together.

The area is surrounded by high buildings and heavy traffic

The collapsed structure appears to have hit cars, trucks, nearby buildings and passers-by.  People were also said to be living in makeshifts homes under the flyover. Ramesh Kejriwal, an eyewitness, said: "There was a loud sound which scared us. The concrete had been laid last night at this part of the bridge."

Reports suggested families were living under the construction site

At least 60 injured have been taken to nearby hospitals, and some of them are in critical condition, a rescue official told AFP. Emergency teams have been sent to the area with sniffer dogs, concrete cutters, drilling machines and sensors to detect life, he added.

The proximity of the buildings, however, may limit the access for heavy lifting equipment to the area.
On Twitter, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he was monitoring the situation, adding that he was "deeply saddened to know that precious lives have been lost in the Kolkata accident".