NEW DELHI: A tragic incident occurred today at Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 when a roof collapsed, resulting in one fatality and five injuries. The collapse also damaged several cars parked nearby.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, personally oversees the ongoing rescue efforts. The incident happened during heavy rains that swept through Delhi-NCR earlier today.
Media footage depicted water cascading from the collapsed roof, with a taxi trapped underneath debris, amid continuous rainfall. This caused flooding on roads and severe traffic congestion in the area.
Here's what we know so far:
Flight Operations Affected:
Flights to and from Terminal 1 have been suspended indefinitely. The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated, "Heavy morning rains caused the canopy collapse at Delhi Airport Terminal 1, prompting closure of flights until further notice. Alternate arrangements are being made to ensure smooth operations."
Refunds for Cancelled Flights:
Passengers affected by cancellations may receive full refunds, as per DGCA guidelines. Airlines are instructed to assist passengers with alternative flight options.
Operations at Other Terminals:
Terminals 2 and 3 remain operational for both arrivals and departures.
Metro Service Disruption:
Due to heavy rainfall, entry and exit at Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 Metro station are closed. Additionally, the shuttle service between Aerocity Metro station and Terminal 1-IGI Airport has been suspended until further notice. Other metro lines continue normal operations.
Citywide Impact of Heavy Rains:
The downpour, recorded at 153.7 mm at Safdarjung weather station since 3 am, led to extensive waterlogging across Delhi. Traffic jams were reported on Outer Ring Road, affecting travel from Shantivan to ISBT and vice-versa. Areas like ITO, Vir Banda Bairagi Marg, and Dhaula Kuan were also severely affected.
This incident underscores the vulnerability to extreme weather events and the need for robust infrastructure management.
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