(Image source from: Firstpost)

A section of a bridge in a busy area of aristocratic south Kolkata came crashing down Tuesday afternoon, causing tremor across the city.

Several people are feared trapped beneath, while some still in their vehicles.

One person was killed, 24 were injured who have been shifted to hospital. The army, which has its base in the nearby Fort William, has directed its personnel for rescue work.

The Port Trust built, 40-year-old bridge, stood over some rail tracks in Alipore - one of the very old areas of the city. The area is surrounded by scaffolding, half-constructed buildings, and pillars.

Eyewitnesses said around 4.45 p.m., a vast section of the bridge came crashing down. Pictures from the area showed the collapsed section resting on the road, at least nine vehicles, including a minibus, and several two-wheelers still on it.

President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his concern in a tweet. He said, "Sorry to learn of the partial collapse of the Majerhat bridge in Kolkata. Thoughts and prayers with the bereaved families, and with those injured in the tragic incident."

Hordes gathered at the spot in jammed Alipore locality, where distorted cars were suppressed under the debris of the bridge.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is in Darjeeling for an official tour, said that rescue work was almost over and only a concrete slab remains to be cut to find out whether any person was trapped there.

She likewise announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased and Rs 50,00 each to the injured.

State urban development minister Firhad Hakim, following the clash, had stated that the heavy piling work that is going on at the adjacent Metro project, could have turned the foundation of the bridge weaker.

The Metro authority, however, said there was no link between the ongoing construction work of the metro project and the bridge collapse.

The Eastern Railway also clarified that the train services through Majerhat railway station had been temporarily suspended pursuing the mishap.

"Circular Railway train services are being maintained between Dumdum junction station and BBD Bag station. However, the train services on the Budge Budge-Ballygunj section may be restored after ensuring the safety," it added.

By Sowmya Sangam