Kolkata: A portion of the two-storeyed Burdwan railway station building in Burdwan East district of West Bengal collapsed on Saturday evening leaving at least two persons injured. Condition of one of the injured with multiple fractures is critical.
The accident took place at around 8.10 pm when a major part of the station’s entrance beside the platform no. 1 caved in from the top with a defeaning sound.
The station with British-era structure under the Eastern Railway’s Howrah division was crowded with passengers at the time of the mishap.
The Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police, fire brigade and disaster management group personnel were pressed into rescue operations.
Senior Railway officials also rushed to the spot. The ER informed that a repair work was underway near the spot of collapse.
It stated, “While repair work was going on at Burdwan Shed, a portion of the roof collapsed near enquiry counter at about 8.10 pm. Two passengers were injured and were immediately sent to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital.”
One hour after the incident, divisional railway manager (Howrah) Ishaq Khan, who rushed to the spot, informed that no one remained trapped under the debris at the spot. “I have spoken to the district magistrate. A proper inquiry will be ordered to find what led to the collapse,” he said.
One of the two injured is Hakna Tudu (45) of Jharkhand. Recalling his experience he said, “I had come to see off my daughter who was going to Bhopal.”
Tudu added, “When I was walking in, I suddenly heard a loud noise and found myself among debris.”
Slamming the Narendra Modi government, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Choudhury said, “This is the Centre’s New Year gift. I demand the Railways be given more funds for maintenance lack of which caused the accident at Burdwan railway station.”
