Chennai: In the wee hours of Monday a portion of the false ceiling in the security hold area of Chennai airport collapsed, “following an unexpected downpour combined with heavy winds,” according to airport officials.
According to this official, 75 sq. metres of the false ceiling in the security hold area (near the H1 and H2 gates) in the ground floor fell down at 1.38 a.m. Though reports that came early in the day said three loaders suffered bruises, the Joint General Manager (Engg-Civil) in a press release denied this saying “there was no injury at all to anybody”. As there were no flights at that time, no passenger was present, he said.
An undated ‘press brief’ from the Executive Director’s office said the material of the ceiling comprised gypsum board and optra fibre, and was supported from the roof. The strong wind swept through the “enclosed area and somehow created a tunnelling effect”, and brought down the boards, according to the note.
The repair work has started in full swing and the gates are expected to be operational from Tuesday (May 14), it added.
13/05/13 Business Line
