Three Died, Several Injured In Delhi Airport Terminal 1 Roof Collapse; Opposition Blames Hastily Inauguration (Photo @SaketGokhale)
The roof collapse of the Delhi airport’s Terminal 1 claimed three lives while at least eight sustained injuries amid heavy downpours in the national capital, The Hindu reported citing Delhi Fire Service Officials (DFS). The search operation is going on to see if anyone is trapped inside the collapsed roof.
Following the tragedy, all flight departures from Terminal 1, which operates only domestic flights, have been temporarily suspended as a safety measure, as per the authorities. Till 2 pm, all departing flights from T1 of IndiGo and SpiceJet are also cancelled, with the check-in counters shut down. Reacting to the calamity, opposition leaders have blamed Prime Minister Modi for hasty inauguration of the terminal in March this year “for election campaign.”
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The incident happened on Friday morning. The vehicles, mainly cars parked in the pick-up and drop-in area of the terminal were damaged when the roof sheet and support beams of the Indira Gandhi International Airport collapsed.
An official statement issued by the airport authority in its X handle said that the emergency personnel are working to provide all necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected.
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“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 statement read.
Terminal 1 Incident pic.twitter.com/Dv9Sir5l4p
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) June 28, 2024
Reacting to the incident, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said that he was personally monitoring the situation, adding that he has advised the airline to extend support to all affected passengers at Terminal 1.
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 opposition leaders had accused Prime Minister Modi of hurriedly inaugurating “an incomplete Terminal for election campaigns.” The Terminal 1 of the airport was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in March, a month ahead of the general election. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, and TMC leader Saket Gokhale among others criticised the Prime Minister, blaming him for the disaster, and attributing it to the hastily inauguration of the Terminal. TMC leader asked, “Why shouldn’t PM Modi be charged with culpable homicide?,” adding that the Prime Minister is “directly responsible” for the death of three people.
SHOCKING & tragic news this morning.
The roof at Delhi Airport’s has T1 collapsed this morning and, until now, 3 people are reported dead.
For election campaigning, Modi had hurriedly “inaugurated” T1 in March even while it was under construction.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭… pic.twitter.com/mx9NQNbush
— Saket Gokhale MP (@SaketGokhale) June 28, 2024
