A portion of the arterial Majerhat bridge in south Kolkata collapsed on Tuesday evening, snuffing out one life, trapping several people and crushing many vehicles, police said. The 40-year-old bridge in the crowded Alipore area caved in around 4.45 pm during rush hour over rail tracks. It runs over the Majerhat railway station and connects the city centre to Behala and other southern suburbs. While police confirmed the death of one person, fire brigade personnel engaged in the rescue work said 19 injured were pulled out from the rubble.

The injured have been admitted to SSKM and CMRI hospitals, the police said. State minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said she has heard about the death of five persons but it is yet to be confirmed. National Disaster Relief Force DG Sanjay Kumar said earthmovers are being used.