CHENNAI: A massive steel structure that was being welded to a portion of the new airport terminal, collapsed suddenly after the support cables snapped and crashed to the ground on Tuesday. No passengers were close enough to be harmed, when the incident occurred, a little after 1 pm. The massive clang that was heard, apparently alarmed passers by and passengers, as it was just opposite the domestic airport terminal. This incident has raised concerns over the safety measures being followed by the construction company that has undertaken the airport expansion work, as they are hurriedly attempting to finish work, almost a year behind the scheduled completion.Sources in the airport said that many passengers were alarmed and moved away as they were afraid that more portions would collapse. However, there might have been lesser panic if the passengers had not ventured beyond the barricaded area. “Many people do not bother about the barricades. We have made these measures for their safety and hopefully now they will understand how serious it is,” an AAI official said. The contractor handling the work arrived by 3 pm and made arrangements for the fallen sections removal.When contacted, Chennai Airport Director EP Hareendranathan said that the steel structure that collapsed was part of a converter tube overhead and this had fallen inadvertently when it was being welded into place. He maintained that no one was hurt, despite its proximity to the domestic terminal’s entrance. No extra safety measures have been announced as yet because a report on why the incident occurred has not been given by the contractor, said sources.
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