At least five spectators died after the Indian Air Force’s air show in Chennai, as confirmed by DMK MP K Kanimozhi. One person was declared dead upon arrival at Royapettah Government Hospital. Another individual reportedly suffered a sunstroke while stuck in traffic on his bike between Gosha Hospital and Wallajah Road. Volunteers identified his distress and helped him off his bike, according to an eyewitness.
A senior medical officer stated that the cause of death would be confirmed after postmortem examinations. Kanimozhi expressed her sorrow, highlighting the dangers of unmanageable gatherings. She emphasized that the overcrowding and high temperatures contributed to the tragedy and urged for better crowd control in future events.
The Indian Air Force had aimed to set a Limca Book of Records by mobilizing 1.5 million spectators, which many believe was beyond what authorities could handle. Large-scale traffic diversions and parking regulations were implemented, but chaos erupted as the event drew closer. The elevated MRTS railway stations were overcrowded, and the roads were jam-packed with vehicles and people after the show.
The lack of adequate drinking water, public transport, and proper crowd management worsened the situation. Children, along with other exhausted and dehydrated individuals, were seen sitting on the sidewalks. Many were attending to people who had fainted or were too weary to continue.
Police officers were mostly passive, with some seen riding their motorcycles rather than managing the situation. Vehicles were stuck for hours on several roads, and ambulances struggled to navigate the congested streets. With eateries closed and shops running out of water and soft drinks, many spectators were left with no resources.
A mother who attended the event with her two children criticized the state government, stating that there were no proper arrangements at the venue or on the roads.
Despite deploying 6,500 police personnel and 1,500 home guards for security, the event was still poorly managed. The Tamil Nadu government, known for opposing mass gatherings due to security concerns, has not clarified whether they raised objections to the scale of the event.
Health Minister Ma Subramanian noted that coordination meetings were held between the Air Force, Chennai Corporation, and other officials, ensuring that arrangements like temporary toilets and drinking water stations were provided. However, many still faced difficulties during and after the event.
The air show featured a performance by the Special Garud Force commandos in a simulated rescue operation, alongside 72 aircraft displays, including Rafale, Tejas, Prachand helicopters, and the Heritage aircraft Dakota. Despite the spectacular showcase, the event ended in tragedy for many families.
for more updates follow ANN MEDIA on facebook , X , Instagram and Linkedin
