A section of the roof at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport collapsed early Friday due to heavy rains, killing one and injuring eight others, prompting the suspension of departures from Terminal 1.

The collapse occurred at around 5am at the airport's domestic Terminal 1, exacerbated by heavy pre-monsoon rains that have battered Delhi this week. This incident, which also resulted in significant damage to vehicles in the drop-off area, highlights ongoing concerns about infrastructure vulnerabilities in India. Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, with Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu confirming efforts to assist passengers and clear debris amid continued heavy rainfall in the region.

The domestic departure terminal, commonly known as Terminal 1, was the site of the incident where a section of the roof gave way due to the downpour. The collapse led to immediate chaos as panic spread among passengers and airport personnel. Emergency services were summoned to the scene shortly after the incident occurred.

Heavy rains, a precursor to the monsoon season, have been a common occurrence in Delhi this week, inundating roads and causing significant damage. The pre-monsoon showers culminated in the early morning collapse at the airport, adding to the woes of the local population already grappling with waterlogging and traffic disruptions.

Local authorities confirmed that the incident resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to multiple others. The injured were promptly attended to, with medical teams providing necessary emergency care. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed.

All departures from Terminal 1 were suspended following the collapse, causing delays and forcing many passengers to seek alternative arrangements. The terminal's operations were put on hold to ensure the safety of passengers and staff while the area was secured and inspected for further risks.

In addition to the roof collapse, several support beams also gave way, resulting in additional damage. Cars in the pickup and drop-off zones were hit by falling debris, including iron beams. One individual was rescued from a car that was struck by an iron beam, requiring coordinated efforts from rescue teams.

The Civil Aviation Minister, K Rammohan Naidu, confirmed that first responders were already working tirelessly at the site. He advised airlines operating from Terminal 1 to provide assistance to passengers affected by the suspension and delays. The minister also directed the airport authorities to expedite rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Rescue operations commenced immediately, with emergency workers attempting to reach and save those trapped under the debris. Clearing the site was a priority as continued heavy rainfall posed further risks of additional collapses and safety hazards.

This incident is one in a series of infrastructure failures that have plagued India recently, raising concerns about the safety and durability of public facilities. The airport collapse follows several other high-profile cases where structural weaknesses were exposed, leading to public scrutiny and calls for improved infrastructure standards.

Passengers who were scheduled to fly from Terminal 1 faced considerable inconvenience. Airlines were compelled to rebook flights or transfer operations to other terminals, leading to further delays and logistical challenges. The airport management has not yet provided an estimated timeline for when normal operations will resume at the affected terminal.

Heavy rainfall in Delhi has caused extensive flooding, with many roads rendered impassable and vehicles submerged. The deluge has compounded the difficulties faced by rescue personnel and emergency services who are stretched thin addressing multiple incidents across the city.

The Central Government, in collaboration with state authorities, is expected to launch a detailed investigation into the collapse to determine the exact cause and accountability. Preliminary reports suggest that the rainwater may have weakened the structural integrity of the roof, leading to its eventual failure.

The incident at Indira Gandhi International Airport has led to immediate inspections and assessments of other terminals and facilities. Authorities aim to prevent similar occurrences in the future, especially with the monsoon season approaching, which traditionally sees higher than average rainfall.

As the situation unfolded, there were commendable efforts from airport staff and security personnel who facilitated the evacuation and ensured that panic was minimized. Passengers and affected individuals have been urged to cooperate with authorities and follow all safety advisories issued by the airport.

This event sheds light on the broader challenge of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing cities like Delhi. The need for resilient and robust construction practices is ever more critical in the face of changing climate patterns that bring about unpredictable and severe weather.

Authorities have begun reviewing safety protocols and maintenance schedules to address any potential weaknesses in the city's infrastructure. Emphasis is being placed on proactive measures to ensure that facilities can withstand extreme weather events and provide a safe environment for citizens and visitors alike.

Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the busiest airports in India, serves as a critical hub for both domestic and international travel. The incident has underscored the urgent need for infrastructural audits and robust emergency response frameworks to safeguard public safety in such vital establishments.