Part of the roof at Terminal 1 of New Delhi’s International Airport collapsed due to heavy rains early Friday morning, killing one person and eight others injured.
The collapse happened around 5 a.m. at the departure forecourt of the newly refurbished Terminal 1, which serves domestic flights.
Images shared on social media showed vehicles crushed beneath massive steel girders. The terminal was one of several infrastructure projects inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March, ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Heavy rains from the annual monsoon season are believed to have caused the collapse. Airport officials responded quickly, suspending all departures from Terminal 1 until early afternoon. Arrivals and other terminals continued to operate normally.
Emergency responders were on the scene promptly to provide assistance and medical aid.
Emergency personnel are working to provide all necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected,” airport authorities stated.
IndiGo Airlines, which operates from Terminal 1, announced that passengers inside the terminal could proceed with their scheduled flights while those with later flights would be offered alternative arrangements.
Delhi Fire Services Director Atul Gard confirmed that rescue operations were completed and that one person had died while eight others were injured.
Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated that he was monitoring the situation and that first responders were actively working at the site. He announced compensation for the victims’ families and the injured.
The incident has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties blaming the collapse on “corruption and criminal negligence.”
This event is the latest in a series of disruptions at Delhi airport, which has recently faced hoax terror threats and other challenges.
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