Five spectators die at IAF’s Chennai airshow, nearly 100 hospitalised
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.
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.