In a tragic incident early Friday, the roof of the newly refurbished Terminal 1 at New Delhi’s international airport in India partially collapsed amid heavy rains, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to eight others, according to rescue officials.
Images posted online depicted vehicles crushed beneath massive steel girders at the departure forecourt of the terminal, which was one of several infrastructure projects inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March, ahead of the general election. Terminal 1 serves domestic flights exclusively.
Airport authorities announced the suspension of all departing flights from Terminal 1 until early afternoon, stating, “Due to heavy rain since early this morning, a portion of the canopy… collapsed around 5 am.”
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene to provide assistance and medical aid to the affected individuals. “Emergency personnel are working to provide all necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected,” the statement read.
Despite the disruption at Terminal 1, other terminals continued to operate normally, including arrivals at Terminal 1, the airport authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred as New Delhi has been experiencing heavy rains with the onset of the annual monsoon season.
“Eight people have been injured, one person is dead. Rescue operations have been completed,” said Atul Gard, director of Delhi Fire Services, in a statement to AFP.
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