Thought of as a relief from heat waves, the recent rains in New Delhi do not come as good news for all. The heavy rains in the capital caused a portion of the roof of Terminal 1 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport to collapse.
Delhi Rains
The roof collapsed on the cars parked beneath, killing at least one person and critically injuring six more. Subsequently, all departures from T1 have been temporarily suspended.
In a statement posted on X, Delhi Airport said, “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. There are injuries reported, and emergency personnel are working to provide all necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected. As a result of this incident, all departures from Terminal 1 are temporarily suspended, and check-in counters are closed as a safety measure. We sincerely regret this disruption and apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
The Airport, in further tweets, informed the public that all departing flights from T1 of IndiGo and SpiceJet are cancelled till 2 PM on June 28, 2024. Arriving flights at T1 were received, but departing flights were cancelled, and all departing and arriving flights from T3 and T2 were fully operational.
As compensation to the ones affected, Delhi Airport, on X, added, "Delhi Airport is extending all support to the families of the individuals. We have announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh to the family of the deceased and ₹3 lakh each to those injured."
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is currently assessing the situation with Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu visiting the scene to inspect. He tweeted, “Inspecting the T1 terminal and reviewing with the officials. All required rescue operations are being conducted at the terminal.” The overnight rain in Delhi has made many parts of the city waterlogged, with vehicles submerged completely and causing massive traffic jams.