Delhi’s sudden bout of heavy rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday evening left a grim mark — two people dead, at least 11 injured, and the city’s airport scrambling to manage disrupted flights. The monsoon-like chaos caught many off-guard, with gusty winds and dark skies turning a routine evening into a scene of emergency.
In the midst of the downpour, a high-tension electricity pole and a massive tree both gave way, causing tragic accidents in different parts of the city. Meanwhile, the Indira Gandhi International Airport had to divert 13 flights to other cities due to the severe weather conditions.
Tragedy on Lodhi Road: Pole Collapse Claims Life of Disabled Man
It was just past 7:50 p.m. near the Lodhi Road flyover when the storm showed its fury. A high-beam electricity pole snapped and crashed onto the road, right where a man with disabilities was passing by on his tricycle. The impact was fatal.
Delhi Police confirmed the man was immediately rushed to Safdarjung Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. The identity of the man remains unconfirmed as investigations are ongoing.
Residents nearby described the moment as terrifying — a loud crash, flashes of lightning, and then the chaotic scramble to help the victim. The rain, which had just started heavy, only made rescue efforts tougher.
Interestingly, Lodhi Road has been a sensitive spot during storms in the past because of its old infrastructure, but no immediate comments have come from the local authorities on the maintenance status of the fallen pole.
Northeast Delhi’s Gokulpuri Sees Another Fatal Incident
Just a few minutes after the pole accident, tragedy struck again around 8:15 p.m. in northeast Delhi’s Gokulpuri area. A large tree, weakened by the storm’s strong gusts, toppled over onto two motorcycles parked nearby, hitting a young man named Azhar.
Azhar, a 22-year-old resident of Vijay Mohalla, was critically injured and rushed to GTB Hospital. Doctors there declared him dead shortly after. It was a blow to the local community who mourned the loss of a vibrant youth.
This incident raised fresh concerns about the city’s green cover management. Old trees across Delhi have faced similar fates during storms, leading to calls for better trimming and monitoring, especially ahead of the rainy season.
Flight Diversions and Airport Chaos
As if the human tragedies weren’t enough, Delhi’s aviation sector also took a hit. Heavy rain and thunderstorm activity forced the diversion of 13 flights away from the capital’s airport.
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12 domestic flights were redirected to Jaipur.
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1 international flight bound for Delhi was diverted to Mumbai.
The airport authorities confirmed these diversions were necessary due to poor visibility and safety concerns. Passengers reported delays, cancellations, and general confusion as flights landed elsewhere.
Many travelers took to social media to share their experiences, expressing frustration but also understanding the safety-first approach. Some joked that they got a surprise “mini-tour” of Jaipur and Mumbai.
Weather Outlook: More Storms Likely Overnight
Meteorologists warned that the stormy weather was far from over. Gusty winds and showers are expected to continue into the night and possibly tomorrow morning.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued alerts, advising residents to stay indoors if possible and avoid venturing out during heavy downpours. Flooding and waterlogging in some low-lying areas remain a concern.
With monsoon officially nearing Delhi, these pre-monsoon thunderstorms seem to be setting a somewhat grim tone for the season ahead.
What This Means for Delhi’s Infrastructure and Safety
Wednesday’s incidents brought back old questions about the city’s preparedness for sudden weather extremes. Delhi’s aging infrastructure, from electricity poles to road-side trees, appears vulnerable to intense storms.
The fatalities highlight the risks that pedestrians and commuters face in such unpredictable conditions. In a city as crowded as Delhi, a falling tree or pole isn’t just an isolated incident—it can cause multiple casualties and widespread panic.
Local civic bodies have often been criticized for not maintaining trees or inspecting electric poles rigorously. This latest storm could push authorities to rethink safety measures seriously.
Some key takeaways:
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Storm-prone areas like Lodhi Road might need urgent infrastructure checks.
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Tree maintenance programs should be ramped up before and during monsoon.
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Emergency services must be better equipped for fast response during bad weather.
Residents are now hoping the city learns from these tragic losses, because frankly, nobody wants to see a repeat of such accidents.
