A loud blast-like sound followed by smoke created moments of panic at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday evening, though officials confirmed it was a minor fire incident with no casualties reported.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The incident occurred around 6:15 PM at Terminal 3, one of the busiest airport terminals in India. According to airport authorities, the sound originated from a minor fire in a duct area near the departure gate of the international wing.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise resembling an explosion, which triggered immediate concern among passengers and staff. Visuals circulating on social media showed smoke emerging from the terminal building, adding to the initial confusion.
Airport emergency services responded swiftly, with fire tenders reaching the spot within minutes of the alert. The fire was quickly brought under control, and the situation was normalized within a short period.
Official Statements and Investigation
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the airport operator, issued an official statement clarifying the nature of the incident. No injuries were reported to any passengers or staff members, and flight operations continued uninterrupted throughout the event.
"There was a minor fire in a duct near the departure gate," confirmed a DIAL spokesperson. "The incident was swiftly addressed by our airport emergency team. All operations remain normal."
Security agencies have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary assessments suggest an electrical short circuit might have triggered the incident, though official confirmation is pending detailed examination.
Passenger Experience and Aftermath
Despite the initial panic, airport authorities maintained that passenger movement was minimally affected. However, several travelers took to social media to describe tense moments when the blast-like sound echoed through the terminal.
"Heard a loud blast sound at T3 departure. Everyone started running. Scary moments," tweeted one passenger, capturing the anxiety that briefly gripped the airport.
This incident comes as a reminder of the constant security challenges faced by major transportation hubs. Delhi Airport, being one of the busiest airports in South Asia, maintains stringent safety protocols that were effectively demonstrated during this emergency response.
Authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future, with additional safety checks being conducted across terminal facilities.
