Kolkata flyover collapse: Rahul Gandhi, Pranab Mukherjee, Narendra Modi and others respond

At least 17 people have been killed in India on 31 March after a flyover, that was under construction, collapsed in the eastern city of Kolkata. Initial reports suggested that at least 150 were still trapped under the concrete and steel bridge with the incident sparking online debate on the subject of construction regulations in the country.

IBTimes UK rounds up some of the responses from India's politicians to the Kolkata flyover collapse.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

"Shocked and saddened by [the] collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation and rescue operations. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest."

President Pranab Mukherjee

"I am sad to learn about the collapse of the flyover under construction in Koltaka, in which number of persons have lost their lives and many others are injured. I understand rescue and relief operations are currently underway. I am sure the State Government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to provide all possible help to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones, as well as medical assistance to the injured. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons."

Vice President M. Hamid Ansari

"I am deeply grieved and shocked at the tragic loss of life and injuries resulting from the collapse of an under construction flyover in Kolkata earlier today. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families and pray to the Almighty to give them strength and fortitude to withstand this immense loss. I also wish speedy recovery to the injured."

Minister of Home Affairs, Rajnath Singh

"Deeply saddened to know that precious lives have been lost in the Kolkata accident. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Had a telephonic conversation with the Prime Minister and appraised him of the rescue operations being carried out by the NDRF in Kolkata."

West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee

"This is a serious matter and case of gross negligence. Will take strong action against those responsible. We will take care of all the expenses of all the injured, we hope for their speedy recovery."

National President of BJP, Amit Shah

"Distressed to learn about an under construction bridge collapse in Kolkata. Have instructed WP unit to assist in the rescue operation."

BJP National Secretary, Sidharth Nath Singh

"Shocked on the unfortunate tragedy at Girish Park. Not a day to politicise but proper enquiry [is a] must. Visited medical hospital Mukhtar Naqvi and was surprised to see poor relief efforts. Doctors looked scared."

BJP's national IT head, Amit Malviya

"The under construction bridge that collapsed in Kolkata runs through a heavily congested area. I dread to think the extent of casualty. Reports and images coming in from Kolkata are hugely depressing. I wonder if our system will ever hold anyone guilty of this negligence."

President of BJP's Youth Wing, Anurag Thakur

"Saddened to hear about flyover collapse in Kolkata, prayers with victims' families and wishing for a speedy recovery for those injured."

Congress leader and MP from Gujarat, Ahmed Patel

"What happened in Kolkata stirs our conscience. We pray for the injured and extend our condolences to the victim's families."

Member of Legislative Assembly from Beerwah constituency of Budgam, Omar Abdullah

"The accident at the construction site of a flyover in Kolkata earlier this afternoon is extremely unfortunate. My sympathies and prayers go out to those injured and to the families of those killed in this tragic accident. Ordinarily an accident in one part of the country wouldn't have implications for us here in Jammu and Kashmir but in this case forewarned is forearmed. There are two flyover projects under implementation in twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar cities. I'm sure the contractors building the flyovers are taking all precautions. At the same time I'd like to appeal to the government headed by Governor Vohra to order a safety audit of both sites, especially Srinagar, so that any shortcomings and gaps can be addressed before any accidents strike."

Vice President of the Congress Party, Rahul Gandhi,

"News of the collapse of a flyover in Kolkata [is] extremely tragic. I hope rescue and relief ops reach those trapped and injured at the earliest. My heart goes out to the people who have lost loved ones in this tragedy."

Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal

"Very sad to hear [about] the tragedy in Kolkata. My prayers with victims and their families."

MP from Bengal, Derek O'Brien

"Just spoke to [Mamata Bannerjee] for latest. Rescue ops still on. Two slabs still to be cleared. 18 dead. Rescued in hospitals. Enough blood in banks. Please do not spread rumours. Good teamwork at rescue operation. All being done for injured."