The air show, intended to be a thrilling display of the Indian Air Force’s aerial prowess, turned tragic as the combination of high temperatures and overcrowding overwhelmed attendees.
At least five spectators were killed and nearly 100 were hospitalised due to dehydration at the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) airshow at Chennai’s Marina Beach on Sunday. The airshow, intended to be a thrilling display of the Indian Air Force’s aerial prowess, turned tragic as high temperatures and overcrowding overwhelmed attendees.
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According to the Tamil Nadu Health Department, 93 attendees were hospitalised due to heatstroke and dehydration. Most of them were discharged after receiving necessary medical aid.
A senior city police official told news agency PTI that one person died on the beachfront and four others in the vicinity. He also said that all five were among the thousands who had gathered along the several-kilometre-long shoreline to witness the air show.
Enthusiastic families gathered on the sands of Marina Beach, many holding umbrellas to shield themselves from the blazing sun, as early as 8 am, to secure a good spot. The airshow began at 11 am and continued until 1 pm. Around 15 lakh people had gathered at the beach to watch the highly-anticipated airshow of 2024.
CHENNAI COMES TO STANDSTILL
According to reports, people felt suffocated due to the heavy crowd and a total of 230 people fainted due to the scorching sun and heavy crowd.
Several parts of the city came to a standstill as the massive crowd found it arduous to return home after the event.
“Nearly a dozen people swooned on the Marina due to a near stampede-like situation and also because of the hot weather, and they were treated at a government facility,” a police official told news agency ANI.
Meanwhile, traffic near the Marina Bbeach was restored nearly three hours after the air show concluded at 1 pm. The chaotic aftermath has sparked public outcry over the lack of planning and preparation.
BJP, AIADMK ATTACK STALIN
In an X post, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai said he was “shocked” to learn about the incident. He also alleged the DMK government had not taken care of the safety of the public.
“I was very shocked to know that 5 people died due to crowding and more than 200 people were injured and were admitted to the hospital for treatment during the air adventure program held by the Indian Air Force at Chennai Marina Beach. The only reason for this is that the DMK government has not taken care of the safety of the public without providing basic facilities and adequate transport arrangements for the public,” Annamalai’s post read.
“The fact that Chief Minister Stalin did not even make the arrangements for his self-promotions for an event attended by lakhs of people shows the utter failure of his administration. The loss of 5 lives cannot be passed off as an accident. The DMK government is fully responsible for this as it neglected even the basic arrangements. I strongly condemn Chief Minister Stalin and the DMK government for ruling only for his family and without any concern for the lives of the people, which has caused the death of 5 people and the misery of hundreds of families. The Chief Minister must be answerable to the public,” he added.
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami hit out at the DMK-led government over the mismanagement and lack of basic amenities.
“In today’s program, administrative arrangements and crowds and traffic were not managed properly as the police force is also inadequate to regulate. The news is shocking that people are stuck in heavy traffic, even drinking water is not available, and many people have been admitted to hospital due to heatstroke and 5 people have died so far. This pains me. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. My strong condemnation of the DMK government for failing to properly coordinate even such an important event…My strong condemnation to this M K Stalin government for failing to provide proper security for this event,” a rough translation of his X post in regional language suggested.
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Party leader Kovai Sathyan demanded the state’s Health Minister’s resignation and said, “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 5-10 kms 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 said.
IAF AIRSHOW
The IAF held an airshow to commemorate its 92nd anniversary.
The airshow, conducted on Marina Beach, between the Lighthouse and Chennai Port, was witnessed among others by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, state ministers, Chennai Mayor R Priya and a host of other dignitaries.
The airshow had included a show by the Special Garud Force commandos in a simulated rescue operation and in freeing the hostage.
Nearly 72 aircraft took part in the air display which is set to enter the Limca Book of World Records. About 50 aircraft including the supersonic fighter jets Rafale indulged in a formation showering flares. Heritage aircraft Dakota and Harvard, Tejas, SU-30, and Sarang, also, participated in the aerial salute.
The Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet performed the “Loop-tumble-yaw” manoeuvrability and dispensed flares. The Suryakiiran, too, took to the skies to enthral the crowd.
This is the third time the IAF conducted its airshow outside Delhi and the first time in South India. In October 2023, the IAF conducted the airshow in Prayagraj, and in 2022, it was held in Chandigarh.
(With inputs from agencies)
