One Dead as Roof Collapse Smashes Cars at Delhi Airport
29.06.2024: A tragic incident occurred at Delhi Airport early this morning when a roof collapse at Terminal 1 resulted in one death and injuries to eight others. The collapse, caused by heavy rainfall, also led to the suspension of all flights from Terminal 1 until further notice.
Incident Details
The roof collapsed at around 05:00 (23:30 GMT Thursday), with videos showing large pillars crashing down onto cars parked at the terminal. Four vehicles were significantly damaged, and the injured individuals received minor injuries.
Flight Disruptions
This incident has severely impacted travel plans for thousands of passengers, as Terminal 1 handles a significant number of domestic flights. Airport authorities have advised airlines to accommodate affected passengers on alternate flights or offer refunds. Some airlines have already shifted their operations to the other two terminals at the airport.
Investigation and Response
A technical committee has been established to investigate the cause of the roof collapse. The initial assessment suggests that the heavy rainfall over the past few hours was the primary cause. Authorities at Delhi International Airport Limited are working with relevant agencies to assess the situation and restore operations as soon as possible.
Government Response
Federal Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced compensation of 2 million rupees ($24,000) for the family of the deceased and 300,000 rupees for the injured. He assured the public that the situation is under control and that inspections are underway to prevent further incidents. The Minister also announced that inspections would be conducted at airports across the country with similar structures.
Public Reaction and Clarifications
The incident has sparked criticism on social media, with users pointing out that Terminal 1 underwent a significant renovation recently, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Minister Kinjarapu clarified that the collapsed section was not part of the renovated area but an older structure opened in 2009.
Delhi’s Weather Woes
Heavy rains have battered Delhi since Thursday, providing relief from the intense heat but causing widespread chaos. Waterlogging has led to major traffic jams and vehicle breakdowns. Social media is flooded with videos of people wading through knee-deep water and vehicles partially submerged. The weather has also resulted in flight delays and cancellations.
The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts continued “heavy to very heavy rainfall” over the weekend, suggesting that the city should brace for further disruptions.