At Least 5 Spectators Die At IAF's Chennai Airshow, Nearly 100 Hospitalised Due To Dehydration

At least five spectators were killed and nearly 100 were hospitalised due to dehydration at Indian Air Force’s (IAF) airshow at Chennai’s Marina Beach on Sunday.

According to Tamil Nadu health department, 93 attendees were hospitalised due to heatstroke and dehydration. Most of them got discharged after receiving necessary medical aid.

The airshow, 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.

Enthusiastic families gathered on the sands of the 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 Came to Standstill

The IAF’s celebration turned tragic as the combination of high temperatures and overcrowding overwhelmed attendees. 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 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 said to news agency ANI.

Traffic near the Marina beach was restored nearly three hours after the air show by IAF aircraft concluded at 1:00 pm. The chaotic aftermath has sparked public outcry over the lack of planning and preparation.

AIADMK Reacts

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami hit out at 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,” he said in a post on X.

IAF airshow

The IAF held an airshow to commemorate its 92nd anniversary.

The airshow, conducted on the 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 M K Stalin, Deputy CM 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 aircrafts 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 enthrall the crowd.

This is the third time the IAF conducted its airshow outside the national capital Delhi and the first time in South India. In October 2023, the IAF conducted the airshow at Prayagraj, and in 2022, it was held in Chandigarh.

(With inputs from agencies)