During the Indian Air Force Air Show held at Chennai’s Marina Beach for its 92nd anniversary, tragedy struck as five tourists lost their lives. Additionally, 230 attendees fell ill due to the extreme heat conditions.
On Sunday, millions flocked to Marina Beach to witness the spectacle, which faced intense heat. Three individuals died from dehydration, and two others suffered from heat-related issues. Medical professionals reported that these fatalities resulted from heat strokes.
Poor planning by traffic officials left many attendees stranded in the city, leading to reports of people stuck for hours. As the event concluded, those gathered at Marina Beach struggled to leave due to overwhelming crowds.
The air show, aiming for a record in the Limca Book of World Records, attracted around 1.6 million people. Starting at 11 am and lasting until 1 pm, attendees began arriving as early as 8 am, braving heavy rain. Unfortunately, many elderly spectators fainted from the heat even before the show began.
In a critical oversight, nearby water vendors were removed, depriving attendees of much-needed hydration. Following the show’s end, a massive crowd attempted to move toward Kamaraj Salai, causing a complete traffic blockade.
According to police reports, the area near Lighthouse Metro Station became so overcrowded that there was no room to move. In the aftermath, attendees voiced their frustration over the inadequate planning and preparation for such a large event.
The air show featured impressive displays by Special Garuda Force Commandos, showcasing 72 aircraft, including the Rafale, the advanced light combat aircraft Tejas, the light combat helicopter Prakan, and the heritage aircraft Dakota. Despite the tragic incidents, the event drew a staggering 1.5 million spectators to the beach.