A spectacular aerial display by the Indian Air Force (IAF) over the skies of Marina Beach attracted thousands of spectators on Sunday, however, the event was marred by tragedy as at least five individuals died, reportedly due to extreme exhaustion. A senior city police official confirmed that one person died on the beachfront and four others in the vicinity, all of whom were among the throngs gathered along the several-kilometre-long shoreline to witness the show, news agency PTI reported.
Karthikeyan, hailing from Thiruvottriyur, collapsed while watching the event and was subsequently admitted to a hospital. Despite medical efforts, he did not survive, increasing the death toll from the event to four, ABP Nadu reported.
Earlier, a man named John from Korukkupet fainted while returning home after the show. He was also hospitalised but later died due to lack of treatment. Two others, Srinivasan and Dinesh Kumar from Perungulathur, also lost their lives under similar circumstances, according to ABP Nadu's report.
According to inputs by ABP Nadu, a total of 108 attendees suffered health issues due to the extreme heat and sought treatment at various government medical colleges. Four patients were admitted as in-patients, including John, who was around 60 years old. Nine others were treated for dehydration, while 30 individuals were admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, with 25 having since returned home, leaving five still under treatment.
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What Happened At IAF Air Show In Chennai
To witness the air show, 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. The bus stop at Anna Square, near the display venue, overflowed with people. Due to traffic restrictions, many had to walk considerable distances to catch buses or reach train stations. Although a stampede-like situation briefly emerged as thousands attempted to leave simultaneously, police managed to regulate the crowd and ensure a safe passage for ambulances.
Chennai Air Show Deaths: EPS Slams CM Stalin Over ‘Failure To Provide Security’
Pinning the blame on CM MK Stalin-led Tamil Nadu Government, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami wrote on X, "In conjunction with the 92nd commencement day of the Indian Air Force, the air show in Chennai was organised to showcase the prowess of the air force. The announcement was made in advance, with the Tamil Nadu government indicating that arrangements would be made for the expected large turnout in terms of traffic and basic amenities."
"However, due to insufficient administrative arrangements, as well as a lack of police presence to manage the crowd and traffic, people found themselves trapped in severe overcrowding, with reports indicating that there was no drinking water available. Additionally, due to the heat, many were admitted to hospitals, and reports state that five people have lost their lives, causing shock and immense pain," he stated.
Palaniwami extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, stating, "My sincere sympathies and regrets to the families of those who lost their lives. I strongly condemn the mismanagement by the DMK government, which failed to properly organise such an important event."
He added, "Events showcasing the capabilities of the Indian Air Force have been successfully held in various cities across India; however, it is disheartening that such fatalities occurred at today's event in Tamil Nadu. I express my strong disapproval of this government led by @mkstalin for failing to provide adequate security for this event."
Speaking to news agency ANI, AIADMK leader Kovai Sathyan also slammed the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. He remarked, "When you have an incompetent person as your chief minister, his counsel of ministers will also be incompetent. You cannot accept a better result than this. While MK Stalin and his family happily watched the show in the air-conditioned makeshift, the people had to walk for 5-10kms to watch this air show..."
"There was no public address system that could guide the people. There were no booths giving water and there was no medical assistance. There was no traffic management...It is a complete mismanagement...Precious lives have been lost...Ma. Subramanian has any one element of empathy and self-consciousness he should resign as the health minister," he added.
The 92nd IAF Day celebration, held between the Lighthouse and Chennai Port, was attended by several dignitaries, including Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and Chennai Mayor R. Priya.
Enthusiastic families gathered on the sands of Marina Beach as the air show commenced with the Special Garud Force commandos of the IAF showcasing their skills in a simulated rescue operation and hostage situation. Para jump instructors executed accurate landings, while the commandos slithered in to reach the target area, captivating the audience.
A defence release indicated that over 1.5 million people witnessed the colourful and scintillating performance of the nation’s air warriors. The entire beachfront and rooftops of high-rise buildings from Kovalam on the East Coast Road to Ennore were filled with onlookers eager to catch the air show, which returned to the city after about 21 years. The release described the event as one of the biggest air shows ever, noting that it was previously held in Delhi for many years before being moved to allow other cities to host the event.