Patna: A section of tiling fell in the arrivals area of Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport on Monday evening, triggering brief panic among passengers and renewing concerns over safety standards at the facility.
Officials said the tile detached from the lower portion of a pillar and fell from a height of around two feet. No injuries were reported.
Second Incident Raises Concerns
The incident comes less than two weeks after a similar occurrence on April 21, when a tile fell from the upper section of a pillar at the airport.
Passengers present in the arrivals area at the time said there was active movement when the tile fell, but no one was struck. Authorities said a major mishap was narrowly avoided.
Area Cordoned Off
Airport officials and security personnel reached the site shortly after the incident and cordoned off the affected area. The damaged section was temporarily closed while immediate safety measures were implemented.
Inquiry Ordered
Airport director C.P. Dwivedi confirmed the incident, attributing it to ongoing maintenance work.
He said the maintenance agency has been directed to investigate the cause and replace any defective tiles.
Inspection Across Terminal
Officials said a comprehensive inspection of tiles across the airport complex is under way to prevent further incidents.
The recurrence has raised questions about construction quality and maintenance practices at the relatively new terminal, with passengers expressing concern over safety in high-traffic areas.
Authorities said further action would be taken after the inquiry report is submitted.
