Delhi Airport Roof Collapse: Tragedy Unfolds Amid Torrential Rains
It is the same story year after year. Torrential rains, waterlogging, collapsing roofs, and then people dying. This year too, we are witnessing similar scenes. A cab driver was killed at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 after a portion of the roof came crashing down. Eight others were injured. The Civil Aviation Minister has constituted a probe panel and an FIR has been filed against unnamed accused.
What Led to This Tragic Collapse?
On Monday morning, the roof at Terminal 1 of the Delhi International Airport, billed as one of the world’s best, collapsed, crushing an unsuspecting cab driver to death and injuring eight others. The airport struggled to cope with a few hours of rain, leading to this devastating accident.
“This debris you see behind me is proof of what happened. Unfortunately, one person has died, and four are injured. A safety audit of Terminal 1 is being conducted, and the terminal has been completely evacuated. Operations will resume only after a thorough inspection,” reported an on-site witness.
Immediate Government Response
The Union Civil Aviation Minister, who recently took charge, visited the airport to inspect the site of the collapse. He assured that the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) would conduct a verification inspection, supervised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “This is a very serious incident, and a thorough investigation has been ordered,” the minister stated.
The government has announced a compensation of 20 lakh rupees for the family of the deceased. Meanwhile, political tensions have risen, with the opposition criticizing the Narendra Modi government over the accident. The BJP responded by pointing out that the roof that collapsed was built in 2009 during the UPA rule. Praful Patel, the civil aviation minister in 2009, urged political parties not to politicize the accident.
Conclusion
As authorities continue to investigate and political debates ensue, the collapse of the roof at Delhi Airport highlights severe lapses in infrastructure and safety protocols. This tragic incident, resulting from a few hours of rain, underscores the urgent need for robust safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.