Roof Collapse in a century-old house near Ripon Street in Kolkata sparks panic as debris falls into courtyard. No injuries reported; KMC begins demolition and CESC cuts power supply.
Roof Collapse : Debris from aging two-storey building in Eliot Lane crashes into courtyard; power supply cut as KMC begins partial demolition
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | March 4, 2026
Roof Collapse triggered alarm among residents of a century-old building near Ripon Street in central Kolkata on Tuesday morning after a portion of the structure suddenly gave way. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as most occupants were inside their rooms when the debris crashed down. The two-storey house, located in Eliot Lane, accommodates around 13 residents, all of whom live there as tenants.
According to officials from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), the Roof Collapse occurred when an extended portion of the structure on one side weakened and broke off. Bricks and debris fell directly into the courtyard area of the property.
Tanvir Hussain, one of the tenants, described the moment as frightening and narrowly avoided being hit by falling rubble. He said he had just stepped outside to turn on the water pump when bricks suddenly came crashing down close to where he was standing. Hussain explained that the building is believed to be over a hundred years old and is registered as a Waqf property, with all occupants living there as tenants.
He added that although cracks had been visible in the old structure, residents had not considered them unusually dangerous. However, he suggested that the recent earthquake reported last week might have worsened the condition of the already aging building.
Residents said they were extremely fortunate that the falling debris landed inside the courtyard rather than near the entrance or living areas. At the time of the incident, most people were inside their rooms, which likely prevented injuries.
A motorcycle parked in the courtyard was completely buried under the pile of bricks and rubble.
Soon after the incident, a KMC demolition team reached the location to inspect the damage. Engineers from the civic body noted that while part of the structure had already collapsed, several sections of the roof were still hanging dangerously and posed a risk to residents and passersby.
Demolition Work Begins With Limited Workers
Officials said those unstable portions would be carefully dismantled to prevent further accidents. However, demolition activity on Tuesday was carried out by only three workers, which slowed down the process.
Residents said the workers informed them that demolition teams normally consist of 10 to 12 members, but many labourers were unavailable due to the ongoing Holi festival. They expect a full team to resume work by Thursday, which should speed up the removal of the damaged sections.
Following the collapse, the CESC disconnected electricity to the building as a safety precaution, leaving the entire structure without power.
Tanvir Hussain said he temporarily left the building and went to his uncle’s residence in Beckbagan to break his fast during the day. Despite the power outage and the partial collapse, several residents have chosen to remain in their homes for the time being.
“Some families are still staying in the building even though there is no electricity,” Hussain said, adding that he planned to return later in the night.
