Tragedy Strikes Delhi Airport as Roof Collapse Claims One Life, Injures Two
Amid the relentless downpour that inundated Delhi, a tragedy unfolded at the Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal 1 on Friday morning. A portion of the roof at the old Departure forecourt succumbed to the heavy rainfall, collapsing around 5 am.
The catastrophic event sent shockwaves through the airport, leaving one person dead and two others injured. Emergency personnel swiftly rushed to the scene, providing immediate medical assistance to the victims.
Airport Operations Disrupted
The collapse forced the temporary suspension of all departures from Terminal 1 until 2 pm. Check-in counters were also closed as a safety precaution. The disruption affected numerous flights, with 16 departures and 12 arrivals canceled since midnight.
Extent of Damage
In addition to the roof sheet, the collapse involved the failure of support beams, resulting in damage to vehicles parked in the terminal's pick-up and drop area. The extent of the damage is still being assessed by authorities.
Government Response
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed his condolences to the victim's family and assured that authorities were closely monitoring the situation. He urged airlines to assist affected passengers during the disruption.
Heavy Rainfall
The collapse occurred amidst exceptionally heavy rainfall that had lashed Delhi over the past 24 hours. Safdarjung, the city's primary weather observatory, recorded a staggering 228 mm of rain during this period, with 150 mm falling in just the preceding three hours.
Citywide Flooding
The torrential downpour caused widespread flooding in various parts of Delhi and neighboring areas. Vehicles were submerged in rainwaters, leaving commuters stranded in waterlogged streets.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Fire tenders and rescue personnel were promptly deployed to the airport site to assist with the emergency. The injured victims were evacuated to hospitals, while rescue operations continued.
Weather Impact
The heavy rainfall not only triggered the roof collapse but also wreaked havoc across the city, causing power outages, traffic disruptions, and damage to property.
Conclusion
The roof collapse at Delhi's Terminal 1 serves as a somber reminder of the destructive potential of nature. The tragedy has highlighted the importance of structural integrity and safety measures, particularly in public infrastructure exposed to severe weather conditions.
