News Brief
Delhi Airport Roof Collapse: Five Things We Know So Far
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu arrived at the Delhi airport after the roof collapse (Pic Via X)
A portion of the roof at Terminal 1 of the Delhi airport collapsed early morning today (28 June) amid heavy rain, resulting in one death and injuries to six others.
Here are five things we know so far:
1. Delhi Airport Roof collapsed Early Friday Morning
A section of the roof at Terminal 1, which handles domestic flight, of the Delhi airport collapsed amid heavy rainfall.
The roof collapse, which occurred amid heavy rainfall, damaged several cars parked in the terminal's pick-up and drop area.
Four vehicles, including cabs, were damaged in the incident that was reported to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) around 5.30 am.
At least four fire tenders were rushed to the spot to attend to the emergency.
At least one person was killed due to roof collapse, while six others suffered injuries.
The injured were rushed to Medanta Hospital while a rescue operation was initiated for the people who got trapped under the heavy structure of the roof.
2. Flight Operations Suspended
All departures from Terminal 1 have been suspended temporarily.
Alternate arrangements are being made to ensure the smooth operation of flights, and airlines are advised to accommodate passengers on alternate flights or provide full refunds.
"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 apologize for any inconvenience caused," the Delhi Airport said.
3. Official Response
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu arrived at the airport to assess the situation and announced a thorough inspection.
He also announced a countrywide audit to assess risks.
"We express our condolences to the life that has been lost in this tragic incident," he added.
He also announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the family of the victim and Rs 3 lakh each for those injured.
Naidu said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation and has assured full support.
4. Traffic Diversions
The collapse affected not only the roof but also the support beams, causing damage to cars parked in the pick-up and drop area.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI) Usha Rangnani reported traffic diversions to manage the situation.
"Traffic going to T-1 departure of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has been diverted at CISF check post, towards T-1 arrival," she said.
5. Political Reactions
Opposition leaders criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government, pointing out that Terminal 1 was recently expanded and inaugurated by him in March.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of "corruption and criminal negligence" in infrastructure projects in the last 10 years.
"Corruption and criminal negligence is responsible for the collapse of shoddy infrastructure falling like a deck of cards, in the past 10 years of Modi government," he said.
However, Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu clarified that the collapsed section was part of an older building opened in 2009 under the then Congress-led UPA government.
"I want to clarify that the building inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi is on the other side and the building that collapsed here is an old building and was opened in 2009," said Minister Naidu.
