New Delhi, June 28 2024– At least one person has been killed and several others injured after a section of the roof at Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi partially collapsed due to heavy rains early Friday morning.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday local time, leading to significant disruptions in airport operations and the cancellation of several domestic flights. Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the fatality, while Director of Delhi Fire Service Atul Garg reported that at least eight people sustained injuries from the collapse in the interior area of the terminal.

Following the accident, Terminal 1 was closed, and air services were severely disrupted. The collapse has sparked widespread criticism of the government’s handling of the airport's infrastructure.

Trinamool MP Saket Gokhale has directly blamed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the disaster, accusing him of hastily inaugurating the under-construction terminal before the elections. Gokhale shared images on social media, holding the Prime Minister accountable for the fatality.

The India Meteorological Department reported that the airport area received approximately 148 mm of rain in just three hours on Friday morning, surpassing the average rainfall for the entire month of June. Experts have attributed the heavy rains, which followed a period of intense heat, to climate change.

Emergency services promptly responded to the incident, providing medical assistance to the injured and securing the affected area. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the roof collapse, with initial findings expected to address both construction standards and the impact of extreme weather conditions.

The incident has led to a storm of criticism against the government, with calls for accountability and improved safety measures at public infrastructure projects. The closure of Terminal 1 and the ensuing flight cancellations have also caused significant inconvenience to travelers, adding to the public outcry.