In a tragic turn of events, five people lost their lives, and over 50 others were hospitalized at the Indian Air Force’s air show held at Marina Beach, Chennai, on Sunday. The overwhelming crowd, which had gathered to witness the event, faced extreme conditions leading to dehydration and exhaustion.
Reports indicate that the deaths were primarily attributed to dehydration and extreme exhaustion, as attendees endured the scorching sun for two to three hours. The event, which began at 11 am and concluded at 1 pm, drew thousands to the lengthy shoreline, where many sought refuge under umbrellas.
A senior police official confirmed that one individual died on the beachfront while the others succumbed in nearby areas. “More than 50 people are in various hospitals after they complained of dehydration and exhaustion,” revealed a government official, who wished to remain anonymous.
Attendees expressed their dissatisfaction regarding the poor crowd control and inadequate traffic management that contributed to significant congestion throughout the city. Following the event, the rush to exit led to chaos, stranding many on roads, outside railway stations, and metro stations. Reports of individuals fainting due to exhaustion emerged, with emergency personnel working tirelessly to provide care and transport to medical facilities.
Arterial roads near the beach were congested, while local trains, including MRTS and Metro services, were overcrowded. Passengers at the bus stop at Anna Square were seen struggling to board buses, and traffic restrictions forced many to walk considerable distances to reach their destinations.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, political tensions have risen. State Health Minister M. Subramanian defended the state’s preparedness, stating that two health teams, along with 40 ambulances and paramedic personnel, were present at the venue. However, these assurances have not quelled public outcry over the perceived inadequacies of the emergency measures.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai criticized the DMK government for failing to provide necessary safety measures and adequate transportation for the thousands who attended the air show. “I was shocked to hear that five people died due to crowding and more than 200 people were injured during the IAF Air Show at Chennai Marina Beach. The DMK government has not taken care of the public’s safety by providing basic facilities and adequate transport arrangements,” he stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
As the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the consequences of the event, questions about safety protocols and crowd management measures remain at the forefront of public discourse. Authorities are under scrutiny as they face calls for a thorough investigation into the tragic incident.
