FRANCE. The 23 May roof collapse at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport terminal 2E – which killed four people and injured others – was probably caused by a weakness in the concrete that formed the structure’s futuristic vaulted roof, according to an official report.
However, the preliminary findings of the investigative commission did not apportion blame or determine whether the facility will be razed or repaired. No date has been set for the final report which will decide the fate of the terminal, which remains closed.
“The view of the commission is that the main cause of the sudden collapse is linked to the perforation of the concrete roof by the [supporting] struts,” commented the French Transport Ministry. “It is likely that this perforation was facilitated by the prior and gradual weakening of the concrete.”
Meanwhile, the airport is bracing itself for the traditional annual summer rush which will be exacerbated by the closure of 2E. Flights have been redirected to other terminals, but the anticipated +15% increase in traffic on top of the -15% loss in capacity is likely to put a severe strain on the facility.
In a bid to help ease overcrowding issues, airport authority Aéroports de Paris has created “Operation Smile”. This initiative involves providing entertainment for travellers during the peak summer weekend periods, in the form of jugglers, jazz musicians, face painters, cartoonists, magicians and balloon artists.
Aides in bright yellow T-shirts will be on hand to provide assistance on a variety of issues, from locating luggage trolleys to delivering water to people who are queuing. They will also hand out coupons which are redeemable at certain shops and cafes for colouring books and crayons.
In addition, the airport has installed more staffed information desks.
MORE STORIES ON PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE
The Moodie Report Interview: Aelia pledges to adapt, evolve and expand despite 2E trauma – 11/06/04
Aelia underlines commitment to Paris CDG – 09/06/04
CDG 2E remains closed as fresh cracks prompt new evacuation – 25/05/04
