In a shocking incident early Friday morning, heavy rains led to the collapse of a portion of the roof at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1. This unfortunate event resulted in the death of one individual and left several cars buried under debris, causing a significant disruption in airport operations.
In the early hours of Friday, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced relentless rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. This severe weather led to the collapse of the canopy at the old departure forecourt of Terminal 1 at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
According to an official from Delhi Fire Services, the collapse occurred around 5:30 am. The emergency response was swift, with three fire engines rushing to the scene upon receiving the distress call. Tragically, one person lost their life, and eight others sustained injuries due to the falling debris.
Immediate Impact on Airport Operations
The immediate aftermath of the roof collapse saw all flight operations from Terminal 1 being suspended. Both IndiGo and SpiceJet, the primary airlines operating from this terminal, announced cancellations of their flights. The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a statement confirming the closure of Terminal 1 flights until further notice.
In addition to the suspension of flights, the shuttle service from Delhi Aerocity Metro Station to Terminal 1-IGI Airport was also halted. Passengers were advised to make alternate travel arrangements as emergency personnel worked tirelessly to manage the situation and provide medical aid to those injured.
Statements from Authorities
A spokesperson from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) emphasized the severity of the incident, highlighting the immediate actions taken to ensure safety and provide assistance. “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. There are injuries reported, and emergency personnel are working to provide all necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected,” the spokesperson stated.
The Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, is actively monitoring the situation, ensuring that all necessary measures are being taken to address the fallout from this incident.
Weather Conditions Leading to the Collapse
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi and its surrounding areas received unprecedented rainfall in a short period. Safdarjung and Palam, two key weather stations, recorded 153.77 mm and 93 mm of rainfall respectively between 8:30 pm Thursday and 5:30 am Friday. This intense downpour was the primary cause of the structural failure at Terminal 1.
The following seven days are expected to be mostly gloomy with varied amounts of rain and high winds, according to the IMD. Specifically, light to moderate rain or thunderstorms are expected, with wind speeds reaching up to 35 km/h on June 28. Temperatures are predicted to remain similar to the previous day, with slight fluctuations expected in the coming days.
Passenger Reactions and Airline Responses
Passengers affected by the flight cancellations took to social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to express their concerns and seek updates on their travel plans. IndiGo Airlines issued a statement explaining the impact of the structural damage on their operations. “As passengers are not able to enter the terminal, this has led to flight cancellations. Passengers already inside the terminal will be able to board their planned flights, but those with flights later in the day will be offered alternatives,” the statement read.
IndiGo also provided helplines for passengers to get assistance regarding their travel plans. The airline advised passengers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid inconvenience.
Passenger Reactions and Airline Responses
Passengers affected by the flight cancellations took to social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to express their concerns and seek updates on their travel plans. IndiGo Airlines issued a statement explaining the impact of the structural damage on their operations. “As passengers are not able to enter the terminal, this has led to flight cancellations. Passengers already inside the terminal will be able to board their planned flights, but those with flights later in the day will be offered alternatives,” the statement read.
IndiGo also provided helplines for passengers to get assistance regarding their travel plans. The airline advised passengers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid inconvenience.
The heavy rains not only affected the airport but also caused widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions across Delhi-NCR. Areas like Govindpuri in South Delhi and Noida Sector 95 were severely waterlogged, making commuting challenging for residents.
Conclusion
The roof collapse at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 has highlighted the vulnerabilities in infrastructure when faced with extreme weather conditions. As authorities work to restore normalcy and provide aid to those affected, it is a stark reminder of the need for robust emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
Passengers planning to travel through Delhi Airport in the coming days are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and be prepared for potential delays or cancellations. The aviation sector, alongside emergency services, continues to work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of this unfortunate incident and ensure the safety and convenience of travelers.
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