18 killed as a portion of flyover under construction collapses in Kolkata

[malaise]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/flyover-collapses-in-kolkata/article8417691.ece?homepage=true
<snip>
Many of injured were rescued from under the debris and were being sent to different hospitals in the vicinity.

At least 18 people were killed, and over 60 others (injured I assume) as portion of a flyover that was under construction collapsed on a congested road intersection in Burrabazar area of Kolkata. The police said that 18 persons have died in the incident.

State administration officials said 62 people have been injured and taken to hospital, while several others were feared trapped under the debris.

Four columns of Army personnel (about 300 in number) alongwith with NDRF, State disaster management, city police and fire brigade personnel joined were involved in the rescue operations.

“It is nothing but God’s act,” claimed Panduranga Rao of the Hyderabad-based IVRCL Construction company engaged in the flyover’s construction.

“Stringent action will be taken against officials of the construction company and others involved,” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.

Gopal Debnath, a survivor of the incident, was travelling from Howrah district in a Tata Sumo with three family members.

"Around 12.45 p.m., I suddeny heard a loud noise and everything went dark. I lost consciousness," he said. He was rescued by the driver and received first aid from the locals.

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Don't yah love how the Construction company blamed 'gawd'. The Chief Minister does not buy that crap.

[rpannier]

1. The PM is also blaming God as well

Though he's claiming it's displeasure with the ruling party in that state

"It is an act of god,” said Mr Modi, “in the sense that it happened during election time so that people may know what kind of government she [Ms Banerjee] has been running.

“God has sent a message to the people - that today this bridge has collapsed, tomorrow she will finish off entire Bengal. God's message to you all is to save Bengal.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/kolkata-flyover-collapse-was-gods-message-says-indian-prime-minister-a6974026.html

Nothing like scoring cheap political points

[malaise]

2. Oh dear

So many crazy leaders across our planet.
I can't believe a bridge to anywhere takes nine years to build.