1 killed, 5 injured as Delhi's T1 airport roof collapses; The Hindu reporter drags Modi

New Delhi: One person died and five were injured after a portion of the roof of the Delhi airport's Terminal-1 collapsed on cars, including taxis, amid heavy rain early Friday, Delhi Fire Services (DFS) officials said.

They said a search operation was conducted to make sure no one was trapped in the damaged vehicles.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI) Usha Rangnani said traffic going to T-1 departure of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has been diverted at CISF check post, towards T-1 arrival.

Three fire-tenders were sent to the airport after a call about the incident was received by the DFS around 5:30 am.

Besides the roof sheet, the support beams collapsed, damaging the cars parked in the pick-up and drop area of the terminal, the officials said.

The injured persons were admitted to Medanta Hospital near the airport. One of the injured succumbed during treatment, they said.

Of the six injured, one person was rescued from a car on which an iron beam had fallen, the officials said.

The Hindu's reporter covering aviation news, Jagriti Chandra, wrote on X that the expanded departure section of T1 (where the images are from) was inaugurated by the PM in March, 2024.

However, news agency PTI tweeted quoting Government sources that the roof that collapsed at the Delhi airport’s terminal 1 was constructed during 2008-09. The work was contracted out by GMR to private contractors.

Later, Chandra herself posted a statement by the Aviation Minister debunking her own claim.

"Due to heavy rain since early this morning, a portion of the canopy at the old departure forecourt of the 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," a Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) spokesperson said in a statement.

As a result of this incident, the spokesperson said, all departures from Terminal 1 are temporarily suspended and check-in counters have been closed as a safety measure.

"We sincerely regret this disruption and apologize for any inconvenience caused." the spokesperson said.

In a statement, an IndiGo spokesperson said flight operations are impacted due to structural damage at T1 due to adverse weather conditions.

"This has led to flight cancellations in Delhi as passengers are not able to enter the terminal. Passengers already inside the terminal will be able to board their planned flights, but those with flights later in the day will be offered alternatives," the airline said in a statement.

The airline also said the unplanned situation has led to operations across the network being impacted.

"Customers are advised to keep a track of and confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport," it said.

SpiceJet said in a post on X that flights have been cancelled as T1 will remain partially closed for operations until further notice.