Delhi Airport: One Dead In Roof Collapse, Minister Announces Ex Gratia
The incident prompted all departing flights out of Terminal 1 to be put on hold.
A person died and at least six people were injured as a portion of the canopy of Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi collapsed on Friday morning. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the deceased and Rs 3 lakh to the injured.
The collapse around 5:00 a.m. came amid heavy rain and damaged many vehicles, including cabs parked in the pickup and drop areas. The roof sheet and the support beams collapsed, leading to the caving in of the canopy at an old departure forecourt, NDTV quoted fire services officials as saying.
Those injured were admitted to a hospital near the airport. One of them succumbed to injuries during treatment, PTI quoted officials as saying.
A person was rescued from a car on which an iron beam had fallen. Search operations are underway to rescue and ensure no one else is trapped, the DFS officials said.
"As a result of this incident, all departures from Terminal 1 are temporarily suspended, and check-in counters are closed as a safety measure," a Delhi International Airport Ltd. spokesperson said. "We sincerely regret this disruption and apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Aviation Minister Kinjarapu said the airlines had been advised to assist all affected passengers. He arrived at the airport to take stock of the situation after the incident.
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
The incident prompted all departing flights out of the terminal to be put on hold. IndiGo and SpiceJet flights flying out of Terminal One have been cancelled till 2:00 p.m., Delhi airport authorities said in a social media post.
All departing flights from T1 of IndiGo and SpiceJet are cancelled till 2 pm today.
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) June 28, 2024