Chennai Airshow Deaths: BJP Questions 'Utter Negligence & Incompetence', Kanimozhi Terms Incident 'Sad'

After the event, traffic came to a standstill on arterial roads, particularly those close to the beach. Local trains, including the MRTS and Metro, as well as buses, were packed to capacity.

The death of five spectators during the Indian Air Force's air show over the skies of Marina Beach in Chennai has triggered a political blame game. The incident took place due to high temperatures and overcrowding, which the BJP termed a fallout of "utter negligence and incompetence". 

"Is this the DMK government's Dravida model of utter negligence and incompetence? Yesterday's tragedy at Chennai Air Force show very clearly showed that the State Government, led by DMK, was clearly incapable and unprepared to deal with this event," BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan said.

Hundreds had to walk three to four kilometres on the jam-packed roads to get any public conveyance or pick up their vehicles.
Chaos broke out after the event when the entire crowd started to disperse.

"It is startling because barely a month before you had F4 night racing championships held in Chennai by the DMK govt...Such priority and precedence was accorded to this F4 event. The administration left no stone unturned in making sure that everything went properly...Why the same priority could not be accorded to this Air Show is the question...The government arrangements were not up to the mark. They mishandled the situation very clearly," Kesavan said.

He said the DMK government should accept the responsibility rather than "trying to shift the blame and the responsibility".

Unmanageable Gatherings Should Be Avoided: Kanimozi

DMK MP Kanimozhi said the incident was "very sad and painful" and unmanageable gatherings should be avoided. "The news of the death of five people is very sad and painful when the public who witnessed the military flight adventure program held at the Marina beach in Chennai suffered from the crowd and the temperature was high. Unmanageable gatherings should also be avoided," she said.

Many spectators stood in the scorching sun for at least two to three hours, with numerous individuals shielding themselves from the heat with umbrellas. Although the display was scheduled between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., many arrived at the venue at least an hour earlier. Reports indicated that several people fainted, and emergency workers had to carry them on stretchers to provide care in nearby shelters. Over 30 individuals were rushed to local hospitals exhibiting symptoms of dehydration.

After the event, traffic came to a standstill on arterial roads, particularly those close to the beach. Local trains, including the MRTS and Metro, as well as buses were packed to capacity.

Chief Minister MK Stalin condoled the loss of lives and said an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh will be given to the family members of the deceased. "I regret for what happened. We have done all the support IAF asked. Unfortunate things have happened. We will give more attention and more care for the these kind of future events," he added.