A roof collapse at Delhi airport following heavy rain has resulted in the death of one person and injuries to eight others.
Videos online show large pillars from the roof crashing into cars parked near Terminal 1. All flights from the terminal are suspended until further notice, according to airport authorities.
The collapse occurred at 05:00 (23:30 GMT Thursday).
An airport spokesperson stated that while the cause is still being assessed, the heavy rainfall over the past few hours appears to be the primary factor.
Officials reported four damaged vehicles and eight minor injuries. India’s aviation regulator has instructed airlines to accommodate affected passengers on alternate flights or provide refunds.
The incident has significantly impacted travel, as Terminal 1 handles most domestic flights. Some airlines have shifted their operations to the airport’s other two terminals.
Delhi International Airport Limited has formed a technical committee to investigate the cause of the accident and is working with relevant agencies to restore operations.
Federal Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced a compensation of 2 million rupees ($24,000; £19,000) for the family of the deceased and 300,000 rupees for the injured.
He assured reporters that the situation was under control and that inspections are underway to prevent further incidents. Additionally, airports with similar structures across the country will also be inspected.
The incident has faced criticism on social media, with many pointing out that Terminal 1 had undergone a massive renovation costing billions of rupees and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March, just before the general election began.
However, Kinjarapu clarified that the collapsed section was not part of the recent renovation.
“I want to clarify that the building inaugurated by PM Modi is on the other side, and the building that collapsed here is an old building and was opened in 2009,” he said.
Heavy rains have lashed Delhi since Thursday, providing relief from the high temperatures experienced since April.
However, the downpour has caused chaos, leading to water-logged roads and significant traffic jams. Commuters have reported long delays, vehicle breakdowns, and videos on social media show people wading through knee-deep water and vehicles partly submerged in subways.
The torrential rain has also led to flight delays and cancellations. India’s meteorological department predicts that Delhi will continue to experience “heavy to very heavy rainfall” over the weekend.
Source-BBC
