Delhi Airport Roof Collapse: 1 Dead, 6 Injured
Incident Overview
On Thursday morning, a tragic incident occurred at Delhi’s Gokulpuri Metro Station, part of the Pink Line of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). A portion of the station’s roof collapsed, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to six others. The collapse has caused significant disruption and raised serious concerns about construction safety and maintenance protocols.
Video: News Report on the Incident
Details of the Incident
The deceased, identified as 53-year-old Vinod Kumar Pandey, was on his scooter near the station when the roof section fell. Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene, where police and local residents managed to rescue those trapped under the debris. The injured individuals, who were nearby or in transit at the time of the collapse, were rushed to GTB Hospital for treatment. Among the injured are Ajit Kumar (21) and Monu, who sustained serious injuries.
Response and Compensation
The DMRC has responded swiftly by suspending two officials: a Manager and a Junior Engineer from the Civil Department. Additionally, an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 15 lakh has been announced for the family of the deceased. Those with minor injuries will receive Rs 50,000, while those with serious injuries will get Rs 2.5 lakh. An inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the collapse and to prevent such incidents in the future.
Impact on Metro Services
In light of the incident, metro services from Maujpur to Shiv Vihar have been operational on a single line as a precautionary measure. Efforts to clear the debris and restore normal operations are ongoing, with heavy machinery such as cranes and JCBs being utilized for the cleanup.
Investigation and Future Measures
Local police have registered a case and are conducting a thorough investigation. This incident has highlighted the need for stringent safety measures and regular inspections to ensure the integrity of public infrastructure. The findings of the inquiry will be crucial in implementing safety protocols to avoid similar occurrences.
Community and Official Reactions
The collapse has sparked concern and outrage among the community and officials. There is a growing demand for accountability and improved safety standards in construction and maintenance. Authorities are being urged to expedite the investigation and implement robust measures to safeguard the public.
The Delhi Airport roof collapse is a stark reminder of the critical importance of infrastructure safety and maintenance. As the investigation proceeds, it is hoped that lessons will be learned to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of all citizens.