New Delhi June 28, 2024: Tragedy struck Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday morning as a portion of the roof at Terminal 1 collapsed, leading to the death of one person and injuring several others. The incident has forced authorities to temporarily suspend all departures from the terminal, causing significant disruption to air travel.
Roof Collapse and Casualties
According to officials, the roof collapse occurred around 5:30 am, following heavy rainfall that had been lashing the national capital since the early hours of the morning. The collapse caused significant damage to the structure, with the roof sheet and support beams collapsing onto the vehicles parked in the pick-up and drop-off area.
Delhi Fire Services (DFS) immediately rushed to the scene, launching a search and rescue operation to ensure no one remained trapped in the wreckage. Tragically, one person was killed in the incident, while six others sustained injuries. The injured individuals were promptly evacuated to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
Airport Operations Suspended
In response to the incident, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the operator of the airport, issued a statement announcing the temporary suspension of all departures from Terminal 1. Additionally, the check-in counters at the terminal were closed as a safety measure.
“Due to heavy rain since early this morning, a portion of the canopy at the old Departure forecourt of Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 collapsed around 5 am. Emergency personnel are working to provide all necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected,” the DIAL spokesperson said.”As a result of this incident, all departures from Terminal 1 are temporarily suspended, and check-in counters are closed as a safety measure. We sincerely regret this disruption and apologise for any inconvenience caused,” the spokesperson added.
Airlines Respond
The roof collapse at Terminal 1 has had a significant impact on airline operations, with several carriers being forced to cancel or reschedule flights.
IndiGo, one of the largest airlines operating from the airport, issued a statement informing passengers about the disruption and providing helpline numbers for assistance.“IndiGo flight operations are impacted due to structural damage to Terminal 1, Delhi Airport because of adverse weather conditions. This has led to flight cancellations at Delhi as passengers are not able to enter the terminal…This unplanned situation has also led to operations across the network being impacted. Customers are advised to keep a track of and confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport,” the airline said.Similarly, SpiceJet also asked its customers to contact the airline for alternate options or a full refund due to the closure of Terminal 1.
Government Response
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu took to social media to address the incident, stating that he is personally monitoring the situation and that the injured individuals have been shifted to hospitals. Naidu also advised airlines to assist affected passengers at Terminal 1.“Personally monitoring the roof collapse incident at T1 Delhi Airport. First responders are working at site. Also advised the airlines to assist all affected passengers at T1. The injured have been evacuated to hospital. Rescue operations are still ongoing,” the minister posted on X.
Ongoing Rescue and Investigation
Rescue operations at the site are still ongoing, with personnel from the Delhi police, fire services, CISF, and the National Disaster Response Force working to ensure the safety of the area. Authorities are also investigating the cause of the roof collapse, which is believed to be related to the heavy rainfall experienced in the region.
As the airport works to restore operations at Terminal 1, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules and to plan their travel accordingly. The incident has once again highlighted the need for robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness at India’s busiest airports, ensuring the safety and well-being of all who use these critical facilities.
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