6 People Die In Chennai During Air Show As Massive Crowd Led To Suffocation, Stampede-Like Situation

Chennai: At least six people died in Chennai during the Indian Air Force (IAF) air show at Marina Beach on Sunday and over 220 people fainted and were hospitalised due to suffocation and massive leading to a stampede-like situation. A few others are claimed to be serious and are undergoing treatment at various hospitals. 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. 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.

Sources claimed that over 15 lakhs were gathered in Chennai to witness the Indian Air Force (IAF) might and thrill at Marina Beach. However, the combination of heat and massive crowding turned out to be deadly as the celebrations turned into a tragedy. 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.

Moreover, due to the massive crowd, several parts of the city came to a standstill, which left people struggling to go 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 Marina Beach was restored nearly three hours after the air show by IAF aircraft concluded at 1 pm. The chaotic aftermath has sparked public outcry over the lack of planning and preparation.

Among the deceased, four have been identified as Srinivasan (48), Karthikeyan (34), John Babu (56) and Dinesh.

The air wing of the Indian Defence Force held an air show to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force.

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 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.