New Delhi, India – Heavy monsoon rains in New Delhi led to a tragic incident at the airport when part of the terminal roof collapsed on parked cars, resulting in at least one fatality and eight injuries, as per officials.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated that operations at the terminal had to be suspended due to the damage caused by the rain. While the minister attributed the incident to the weather conditions, critics have raised concerns about negligence and poor maintenance practices in the country’s infrastructure development.
During the aftermath of the incident, stranded passengers expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication from authorities, highlighting a need for improved crisis management protocols.
Following the suspension of operations, airport officials redirected all activities to the other two terminals, which handle international flights as well. IndiGo Airlines, a major player in India’s domestic aviation market, had to cancel flights scheduled to depart from the affected terminal.
The rescue operation conducted by fire safety officials spanned three hours, with Atul Garg, director of the Delhi Fire Service, overseeing the efforts. The incident occurred as heavy monsoon rains wreaked havoc in parts of New Delhi, causing flooding and disrupting normal activities.
India’s infrastructure development has faced scrutiny over the years due to concerns regarding maintenance and oversight of major construction projects. The push for rapid growth in infrastructure has raised alarms about the safety and quality of public structures in the country.
Critics on social media have pointed to the incident in Delhi as just one example of the infrastructure challenges plaguing India, despite fees allocated specifically for maintenance purposes. Similar incidents in other parts of the country have further fueled discussions about the need for stringent regulations and accountability in construction projects.
Delhi International Airport Limited, the operator of the facility where the roof collapse occurred, announced compensation for the affected individuals, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the responsibility of ensuring the safety of all airport users.