Chennai Air Show: Thousands who came to witness the event stood in the sweltering sun for at least 2 to 3 hours.
At least five people lost their lives, and 50 others were hospitalized as a large crowd gathered at Marina Beach in Chennai on Sunday for the Indian Air Force’s air show. While reports indicate that the fatalities were due to dehydration and extreme exhaustion, attendees cited poor crowd management, inadequate traffic planning, and insufficient public transportation as contributing factors.
One person died on the beachfront, while four others passed away nearby. All five were among the thousands who had gathered along the several-kilometer shoreline to witness the air show, a senior police official told news agency PTI. The open-air event started at 11 AM and continued until 1 PM.
Thousands who came to witness the spectacle stood in the blazing sun for at least 2 to 3 hours, many using umbrellas for shade.
“More than 50 people have been admitted to various hospitals after reporting dehydration and exhaustion,” a government official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Attendees expressed their frustrations over the inadequate crowd control and traffic management, which resulted in severe congestion throughout the city. As the show ended, a rush to leave caused additional chaos, leaving hundreds stranded on roads and outside railway and metro stations.
In response to the massive turnout, Chennai Metro increased the frequency of trains only after the event had started, resulting in many passengers waiting for long periods. Local authorities are now facing criticism for their failure to anticipate and effectively manage the crowd size.
Several individuals fainted from exhaustion, and emergency workers transported them on stretchers while providing care in designated shelters.
Following the event, major roads, particularly those near the beach, were completely congested, and local trains—including the MRTS and Metro—as well as buses were overcrowded.
The bus stop at Anna Square, located near the event venue, was overflowing with people. Due to traffic restrictions, attendees had to walk significant distances to catch buses or reach train stations.
Although a stampede-like situation briefly arose when thousands attempted to leave the venue simultaneously, police reported that they effectively managed the crowd and ensured safe passage for ambulances.
**BJP vs. DMK Over Chennai Air Show Deaths**
State Health Minister M. Subramanian defended the state’s preparedness, stating that two medical teams with sufficient personnel were deployed at the venue. “Forty ambulances were stationed with paramedical teams,” he assured. However, the tragic incident has led many to question the adequacy of these measures.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai criticized the DMK government, claiming it failed to make proper arrangements for the large number of attendees.
“I was shocked to learn that five people died due to overcrowding, and more than 200 were injured and admitted to the hospital during the IAF ‘AIR Show’ at Chennai Marina Beach. This tragedy stems from the DMK government’s neglect of public safety and the lack of basic facilities and adequate transport arrangements for those who came to witness the IAF Air Show,” Annamalai posted on X (formerly Twitter).
