Early Friday morning, tragedy struck at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport as a canopy over Terminal-1 collapsed amidst heavy rainfall, resulting in one fatality and injuring eight others.
The incident, reported around 5:00 AM, caused significant damage to vehicles parked in the pick-up and drop area, including several cabs.
The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) immediately initiated rescue operations, focusing on extracting individuals trapped under the debris.
Rescuers successfully extracted a driver from a cab pinned under an iron beam during these efforts.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officials also joined in the rescue operations to aid those affected by the collapse.
According to a spokesperson from Delhi airport, they temporarily halted all departures from Terminal-1 and closed check-in counters as a precautionary measure following the incident.
The affected terminal, which primarily handles domestic flights, saw cancellations of all departures by IndiGo and SpiceJet until 2:00 PM.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) stated that 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. They reported injuries and mentioned that emergency personnel are working to extricate those affected and provide medical attention.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed his concern.
He stated, “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.”
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.
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 28, 2024
He further added, “Inspecting the T1 Terminal and reviewing with the officials. All required rescue operations are being conducted at the terminal.”
Inspecting the T1 Terminal and reviewing with the officials.
All required rescue operations are being conducted at the terminal pic.twitter.com/6ck4ce39RY— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 28, 2024
The incident has underscored concerns over infrastructure safety during adverse weather conditions and prompted investigations into the structural integrity of the affected area.
Authorities continue to urge caution as rescue efforts and assessments of the damage caused by the collapse remain ongoing.
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