One person died and six got injured after a portion of the roof collapsed on cars, including taxis, amid heavy rains at Terminal- 1 of New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday.
The reports stated that Delhi Fire Services received a call regarding a roof collapse at around 5:30 am on Friday. Besides the roof sheet, the support beams collapsed, which damaged the cars parked in the terminal’s pick-up and drop areas. All the injured were rescued and immediately rushed to the hospital.
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Flight disruption at T-1
A rescue operation is afoot to be sure no one is trapped amidst the damaged vehicles. After the accident, Delhi International Airport Limited temporarily suspended all departures from Terminal 1 till 2 pm, and check-in counters were closed as a precautionary measure. However, all the departing and arriving flights from Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 were fully operational.
What was the reason for the Collapse?
The Delhi airport released an official statement on their X post (formerly known as Twitter), that the portion collapsed due to heavy rainfall. They stated that there had been heavy rainfall since early morning on Friday, and a portion of the canopy at the old departure of Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 collapsed around 5 am. Few injuries have been reported, and emergency personnel are working to provide all the necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation’s reaction
The Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said that he is personally monitoring the incident and rescue operations are still under process. Ram Mohan Naidu stated in the X post that he is personally monitoring the roof collapse incident at T1 Airport. The injured have been shifted to the hospital.
Inspecting the T1 Terminal and reviewing with the officials.
All required rescue operations are being conducted at the terminal pic.twitter.com/6ck4ce39RY— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 28, 2024
Heavy rain in Delhi/NCR
Delhi and its adjoining National Captial Region (NCR) received unpleasant downpours accompanied by thunderstorms and lighting in the early hours of Friday, causing waterlogging and inundating roads throughout the region. The national capital received heavy showers on Thursday, keeping the temperature slightly low throughout the day. The city received pre-monsoon showers on Wednesday which minimized Delhi’s temperature below 40 degrees Celsius.
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Terminal 1 reopenend in Oct 23
The Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 was reopened for passengers from October 31, 2023. The airport was under operation for 19 months then was suspended due to COVID. The roof that collapsed at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 was constructed during 2008-09.
About Author
Ms Vijaya Pramodini SK, an aspiring journalist, is currently dedicated to her studies in journalism and communication. With a keen eye for authenticity, she strives to uncover and present the real facts, embodying the principles of ethical journalism.
