AAI orders probe into wall collapse at Goa airport

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has ordered a probe into the collapse of a retaining wall Wednesday at a New International Airport Building (NITB) complex, which was commissioned only the previous day.

While no one was injured in the collapse of the over 25 metres wall, which rings the Dabolim international airport, located 35 km from here, AAI officials feel there was need to examine the quality of construction of the building.

"We have ordered an inquiry. We are simultaneously also trying to examine other parts of the building for the quality and durability of construction," an AAI official said.

Carlos Almeida, ruling Bharatiya Janata Party legislator from the Vasco constituency, who went on record against the hurried decision to make the NITB functional Tuesday, said that with the monsoon approaching, the wall could be a death trap for people hanging out in the area.

"So many people often wait there to bid goodbye or to welcome their relatives and friends. The remainder part of the wall could be a death trap with the monsoon approaching," Almeida said.

The NITB of Goa's only airport was constructed at the cost of Rs.345 crore and is designed to handle over 2,750 passengers at peak hour.