3 die in roof collapse at Delhi airport terminal; building was opened in 2009, says minister

Three people were killed and six were injured after a portion of the roof of the Delhi airport's Terminal-1 collapsed on cars, including taxis, amid heavy rain early on Friday (June 28).

Delhi Fire Services (DFS) officials said a search operation was conducted to make sure no one was trapped in the damaged vehicles. 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. One of the injured persons was rescued from a car on which an iron beam had fallen, the officials said.

Collapsed building was opened in 2009: Civil Aviation Minister Naidu

An investigation has been ordered into the roof collapse, with Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announcing that a thorough inspection of the structure at the airport will be carried out.

On allegations from the opposition that the collapsed roof was inaugurated by PM Modi in March this year, Naidu told reporters, “I want to clarify that the building inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi is on the other side and the building that collapsed here is an old building and was opened in 2009.”

Naidu, who visited the airport, said the situation is under control and Terminal 1 (T1) has been closed down and arrangements are being made to shift operations of flights to T2 and T3.

The technical reasons and other aspects of the incident will be known after the investigation, the minister told reporters.

According to him, the structure that collapsed on Friday morning was opened in 2009 and airport operator DIAL has been told to do an inspection of the structure.

"DGCA will supervise the inspection and they will give a report," he said.

Further, he said a thorough checking of all similar structures at airports across the country will be carried out.

Sources in the government said the roof that collapsed at T1 was constructed during 2008-09 and that the work was contracted out by GMR to private contractors.

Congress blames Modi govt for ‘shoddy infrastructure’

Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had blamed the Modi government for the “collapse of shoddy infrastructure”.

"Corruption and criminal negligence is responsible for the collapse of shoddy infrastructure falling like a deck of cards, in the past 10 years of Modi Government," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post on X.

"Delhi Airport (T1) roof collapse, Jabalpur airport roof collapse, Abysmal condition of Ayodhya's new roads, Ram Mandir leakage, cracks in Mumbai Trans Harbour Link road, 13 new bridges falling down in Bihar in 2023 & 2024, Pragati Maidan Tunnel submerging, Morbi bridge collapse tragedy in Gujarat, ... are some stark instances which exposes the tall claims by Modi ji and BJP of creating 'World Class Infrastructure'," he said.

He said on March 10th, when Modi ji inaugurated the Delhi Ariport T1, he called himself "Doosri mitti ka insaan...".

"All this false bravado and rhetoric was only reserved for quickly indulging in ribbon-cutting ceremonies before Elections. Our heartfelt condolences to the victims of the Delhi airport tragedy. They bore the brunt of a Corrupt, Inept and Selfish Government," Kharge charged.

Incomplete terminal: Omar Abdullah

Taking a swipe at the government, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah called it an “incomplete terminal”.

“Incomplete terminal 'inaugurated' before the model code was imposed earlier this year starts falling apart before it’s even completed, what a surprise!!” he posted on X.

“Shocking and tragic news this morning. The roof at Delhi Airport’s has T1 collapsed this morning and, until now, three people are reported dead. For election campaigning, Modi had hurriedly 'inaugurated' T1 in March even while it was under construction. Why shouldn't PM Modi be charged with culpable homicide? He's directly responsible for the death of three people who lost their lives because Modi was desperate to campaign," Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale posted on X.

Flight departures at Terminal-1 suspended till 2 pm

Sources at the airport said flight departures at T1, which has only domestic flight operations, have been suspended till 2 pm and the airport operator is looking to temporarily shift operations from T1 to T2 and T3.

Passengers who were already inside the terminal boarded their flights.

The departures were completely suspended around 7:30 am. Flight arrivals have not been impacted, the sources said.

"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 apologise for any inconvenience caused." the spokesperson said.

(With inputs from agencies)