Roof collapse at Delhi Airport's terminal 1 kills one, all departures suspended
- In Reports
- 11:17 AM, Jun 28, 2024
- Myind Staff
One person died, and six others sustained injuries after the roof at Delhi airport’s Terminal 1 collapsed following torrential rainfall in the national capital. Taxis stationed at the city side of the terminal were buried, and four vehicles were damaged in the incident. Airport authorities have temporarily suspended all departures from Terminal 1.
Personnel from the Delhi police, fire services, CISF, and the National Disaster Response Force are at the site conducting rescue operations. Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, announced on X that he is personally monitoring the situation. He stated, "First responders are working at the site. I have also advised the airlines to assist all affected passengers at Terminal 1. The injured have been evacuated to the hospital. Rescue operations are still ongoing."
The deceased has been identified as 45-year-old Ramesh Kumar, while the injured are Santosh Kumar Yadav, Shubham Shah, Dashrath Ahirwar, Arvind Goswami, Sahil Sudan, and Yogesh Dhawan, according to the Delhi Police.
A spokesperson for Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) stated, "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 providing all necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected."
As a result of the roof collapse, all departures from Terminal 1 have been temporarily suspended, and check-in counters have been closed as a safety measure. "We sincerely regret this disruption and apologise for any inconvenience caused," said a spokesperson for Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL).
IndiGo, the airline most affected by the incident, issued helpline numbers for its passengers. "IndiGo flight operations are impacted due to structural damage to Terminal 1, Delhi Airport, caused by adverse weather conditions," said the airline's spokesperson. "This has led to flight cancellations at Delhi as passengers are unable to enter the terminal."
The spokesperson further explained, "This unplanned situation has also affected operations across the network. Customers are advised to keep track of and confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport."
SpiceJet also advised its customers to contact them for alternate options or a full refund. "Due to bad weather (heavy rains), SpiceJet flights have been cancelled as Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport will remain partially closed for operations until further notice," the airline stated.
"We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding," said the airline. "Please contact us at +91 (0)124 4983410/+91 (0)124 7101600 for alternate options or a full refund. Alternatively, you can refer to changes.SpiceJet.com."
SpiceJet further advised passengers to keep an eye on their social media channels for further updates.
Image source: Hindustan Times
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