Tragic Incident at Delhi Airport: Roof Collapse Claims One Life, Injures Four
Early Friday morning, a tragic incident occurred at Terminal 1 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) as a portion of the ceiling collapsed amid heavy rainfall. The incident resulted in the unfortunate loss of one life and injuries to four individuals.
Immediate Response and Impact
Swift action was taken in the aftermath of the collapse. Passengers affected by the incident received medical attention on-site, while those requiring hospitalization were promptly transferred. All departures and check-in operations at Terminal 1 were temporarily suspended until further notice.
For flights scheduled to depart before 2 pm, cancellations were implemented. Flights slated for departure after 2 pm were shifted to Terminals 2 and 3, as announced by the Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu.
Affected passengers were advised by both airlines and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of their options, which included accommodation on alternate flights or full refunds as per regulations. Passengers were also provided the choice of rebooking on alternative flights or routes.
Official Statements and Actions
The Ministry of Civil Aviation expressed its condolences for the life lost in the incident and provided updates on the ongoing situation. The Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, personally monitored the developments and visited the airport to assess the situation.
Following a thorough review, the Minister assured that the situazione was under control and that a full-scale inspection was underway. He further announced a nationwide audit to assess potential risks across all terminals.
Details of the Collapse and Other Incidents
The collapse involved a section of the canopy located outside the airport, which crumbled under the weight of the heavy downpour. Several vehicles parked in the pick-up and drop-off zone of the terminal were damaged by falling support beams and debris.
The Delhi Fire Service received a distress call around 5.30 am regarding the roof collapse. Four fire tenders were swiftly dispatched to the scene to handle the emergency response.
Political Reactions
The incident drew criticism from opposition leaders, who questioned the safety standards at the airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was particularly targeted, as he had inaugurated an expansion of Terminal 1 in March.
However, Minister Naidu clarified that the collapsed roof belonged to an older section of the building, which had been opened in 2009. He emphasized that the new terminal inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi was located on the opposite side and remained unaffected.
Weather Conditions and Flooding
Delhi had experienced torrential rainfall in the preceding 24 hours. The Safdarjung observatory recorded a staggering 228 mm of rainfall during this period, with 150 mm falling within the last three hours alone.
The relentless downpour led to severe flooding in several localities of Delhi and its neighboring areas. Vehicles were partially submerged in water, and individuals faced difficulties navigating through waterlogged streets.
Conclusion
The roof collapse at Delhi Airport is a tragic reminder of the importance of maintaining robust safety measures at critical infrastructure facilities. The incident has prompted immediate investigations and a thorough review of airport safety protocols. The affected passengers and their loved ones deserve support and assistance during this difficult time.
