India Kolkata flyover collapse, Hope fading for survivors

Hopes of finding more survivors trapped under a collapsed flyover are fading in the Indian city of Kolkata (Calcutta).

Rescuers have worked through the night in the Girish Park area, where the bypass was under construction when it collapsed suddenly on Thursday afternoon.

At least 24 people were killed and scores injured.

The 2km-long (1.2 mile) flyover started construction in 2009 and missed several deadlines for completion.

Police have opened a case of culpable homicide against the company in charge of the construction, IVRCL.

Reports say five of the firm's officials have been detained for questioning and its headquarters in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad have been sealed off.

Officials said more than 90 people have been rescued, some of whom are in hospital in a critical condition.

"Many of the people rescued have been seriously injured," police chief Ajay Tyagi told the Reuters news agency.

"Many could still be buried below the debris."

SS Guleria of India's National Disaster Response Force told the Associated Press that the rescue operation was in its "last stage" and that "there is no possibility of finding any person alive".

It is not clear how many people may be still trapped under the debris.