Roof collapse at New Delhi airport: One fatality and eight injured

NEW DELHI, INDIA: A roof collapse at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, triggered by heavy rainfall and strong winds on Friday (28 June), has resulted in one fatality and significant disruptions.

The incident occurred around 5 a.m. at Terminal 1, where a section of the roof gave way due to severe weather conditions.

According to reports, parts of the capital territory of Delhi experienced heavy rainfall earlier this week, leading to flooded roads and submerged cars.

The airport’s statement indicated that the collapse happened at the old Departure forecourt, resulting in the suspension of all departures from the terminal.

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) were alerted to the situation at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Delhi Fire Services Assistant Divisional Officer Ravinder Singh reported that rescue teams discovered two support pillars had collapsed over a car, resulting in the death of a man inside.

“There were eight injured and one fatality,” Singh said.

He added, “It took us a bit longer to extricate his body. Our rescue operations concluded within 20 minutes.”

The injured were promptly transported to the hospital.

The collapse also caused significant damage to four cars parked in the pick-up and drop-off area of the terminal.

Footage circulating on social media shows the roof caving in and crushing the vehicles underneath.

Roof collapse in the airport departure section of Delhi's Terminal 1. a pillar collapsed, one taxi driver was reported dead and at least five injured, Flights are suspended. pic.twitter.com/JpvCtU6Qta

— Mr.Haque (@faizulhaque95) June 28, 2024

One particularly harrowing image depicts a person slumped in the driver’s seat of a car beneath the twisted metal.

Horrible picture from Delhi Airport where roof collapse has killed one person #DelhiRains #DelhiRains pic.twitter.com/NkO0Lekc5I

— DiwakarYadav_UP (@DiwakarYadavUP) June 28, 2024

Due to the incident, IndiGo, India largest airline, announced that its flight operations were affected due to the structural damage at Terminal 1.

The airline’s statement noted that passengers already inside the terminal could board their flights, but those with later flights would be offered alternatives.

“This unplanned situation has also led to operations across the network being impacted. Customers are advised to keep track of and confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport,” an IndiGo spokesperson said.

Similarly, SpiceJet announced that all affected flights originally scheduled from Terminal 1 are being re-accommodated to Terminal 3.

India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, said he was personally monitoring the situation.

In a post on X, he confirmed the closure of Terminal 1 and announced that operations would temporarily shift to Terminals 2 and 3.

He assured that a thorough inspection of the airport’s structure would be conducted.

The minister also announced compensation for the victim’s family and those who were injured.

The cause of the collapse will be determined following a detailed investigation.

#Update on #Delhi T-1 Incident. pic.twitter.com/7KcrhL9p25

— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 28, 2024