Tragedy Strikes Delhi Airport: Roof Collapse Claims One Life, Injures Five
A somber morning unfolded at Delhi's Terminal 1 on Friday, as a portion of the roof collapsed amid heavy rainfall, leaving one person dead and injuring five others. The incident sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, disrupting flight operations and casting a shadow over the start of the weekend.
Immediate Response:
Swift action was taken in the aftermath of the collapse, with medical assistance promptly provided to the injured. Those in need of further care were quickly transferred to nearby hospitals, where their condition is being closely monitored. To ensure the safety of passengers, all departures from Terminal 1 were temporarily suspended, and check-in counters were closed until further notice.
Government Intervention:
Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, arrived at the airport to personally assess the situation. After receiving a briefing from officials, he announced that the incident was under control and a thorough inspection was underway. To prevent similar tragedies in the future, he ordered a countrywide audit to assess the safety of airport infrastructure.
Condolences and Support:
In a statement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation expressed its deepest condolences for the life lost in the tragic incident and offered support to the injured. The airlines involved were instructed to accommodate passengers on alternative flights or provide full refunds as per regulations. Passengers were given the option to rebook their flights or receive a full refund.
Investigation and Accountability:
A case has been registered under Section 304A (death due to negligence) and Section 337 (endangering the life and personal safety of another) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). A thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse and assign responsibility for any negligence that may have contributed to the incident.
Search and Rescue:
Emergency services, including the Fire Service and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were swiftly deployed to the site to conduct search and rescue operations. Extensive efforts were made to ensure that there were no further casualties trapped under the debris.
Terminal Closure and Rerouting:
The collapse has led to the closure of Terminal 1, which primarily handles domestic flight operations. To minimize disruptions, flights scheduled to depart from Terminal 1 have been shifted to Terminals 2 and 3. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight information.
Political Reactions:
The incident has drawn strong reactions from opposition leaders, who have criticized the government for failing to ensure the safety of airport infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently inaugurated an expanded Terminal 1, has come under fire for the tragic event.
Heavy Rainfall:
The roof collapse occurred amidst heavy rainfall that has lashed Delhi in the past 24 hours. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city received over 228 mm of rain in the past 24 hours, including 150 mm in the past three hours alone. The heavy downpour has caused widespread waterlogging in several areas of the city and surrounding regions.
Safety Audit and Preparedness:
The incident has highlighted the need for rigorous safety audits and preparedness measures at airports across the country. Experts have emphasized the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and adherence to building codes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Ongoing Monitoring:
The situation at Delhi Airport is under continuous monitoring by authorities and emergency responders. Regular updates are being provided to the public and passengers affected by the disruptions.
