Heatstroke Claims Five Lives at IAF Air Show in Chennai

The Indian Air Force (IAF) air show held at Marina Beach in Chennai turned tragic as five spectators died due to heatstroke and around 200 others were hospitalized, primarily for dehydration. The event, part of the IAF’s 92nd anniversary celebrations, attracted a massive crowd of nearly 15 lakh people, overwhelming medical services and public transport systems.

While the air show dazzled attendees with impressive aerobatic performances, the extreme heat led to several medical emergencies. According to local authorities, five individuals succumbed to heat-related conditions, with deaths reported both at the venue and nearby areas. Among the deceased were 34-year-old V. Karthikeyan from Thiruvottiyur, 56-year-old D. John from Korukkupet, and Srinivasan from Perungalathur. Two other victims, including Dinesh Kumar, were found unconscious on Marina Beach, while one victim remains unidentified. All bodies have been sent for post-mortem to determine the exact causes of death.

Authorities confirmed that most of the hospitalized individuals have since been discharged, with only two patients still receiving treatment at Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital. Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian defended the state’s preparations, stating that medical facilities, paramedical teams, and drinking water were provided at the venue. He also mentioned that 40 ambulances and two health teams were stationed at Marina Beach, with assistance from the Indian Army.

Despite these efforts, emergency workers were seen transporting unconscious spectators to shelters, and major roads near the beach became heavily congested. Public transportation, including local trains and buses, was overwhelmed, and traffic restrictions forced many attendees to walk long distances to reach transportation hubs. A brief stampede-like situation occurred as crowds exited the event, though police managed to prevent further incidents.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai criticized the state government for failing to ensure adequate safety measures. In a post on X, he expressed shock over the deaths and held the DMK administration responsible for inadequate facilities and transport arrangements.

Chennai Police, in a statement issued on October 4, had deployed 6,500 officers and 1,500 home guards for crowd control. However, the sheer size of the gathering posed challenges, raising concerns about public safety at large-scale events in the city