Top Indian officials said three employees of the company behind the overpass that collapsed in Kolkata earlier this week were arrested late Friday night.

The arrests were made after police closed the offices of IVRCL Infrastructure Co., which was initially contracted to build the overpass back in 2007. The construction fell behind schedule, and the company was still at work on it when the accident occurred on Wednesday.

About 80 meters (260 feet) of the structure collapsed, killing at least 24 people and injuring around 70.

Seven more being investigated

In addition to the three arrested overnight, a police officer confirmed to The Associated Press that seven other individuals had been detained and were being investigated for possible murder charges.

The detained individuals are also employees of IVRCL, the official said.

Meanwhile, authorities are at work trying to find those still trapped beneath the rubble. Some 67 people have been pulled from the wreckage, although officials say it's unlikely any more will be found alive.

blc/jlw (AP, AFP)