Chennai: At least five spectators died, and about 230 others were hospitalized during an air show in Chennai on Sunday. The air show, held to celebrate the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force, turned tragic as attendees were overwhelmed by high temperatures and overcrowding. The deaths were attributed to dehydration and the heavy crowd presence, India Today reported.
#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | A woman seen being evacuated from a huge rush at the Mega Air Show on Marina Beach ahead of the 92nd Indian Air Force Day.
There are reports of attendees fainting, rushed to the hospital due to heavy crowd presence and heat. pic.twitter.com/SgNEhuTnUH
— ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2024
The nearby Lighthouse metro station and the Velachery railway station were swarmed by people who were returning from air show. Hundreds of people found it difficult to get a space to even stand on the platform, PTI reported.
“Nearly a dozen people swooned on the Marina due to a near stampede-like situation and because of the hot weather. They were treated at a government facility.” PTI quoted a police officer as saying.
The chaos resulted in massive traffic snarls impacting the primary roads connecting Marina to various districts of Tamil Nadu’s capital.
“I found it extremely difficult to take the MRTS train at Velachery as the station was fully packed with people eager to see the air display. Nevertheless, I managed to take my family of four to the Marina and back, though fully sapped of energy while returning home,” PTI quoted one of the attendees K Sridhar as saying.
The traffic police managed to restore traffic near the beach three hours after the event concluded.
The Indian Air Force on its 92nd anniversary displayed a breathtaking air show near the world’s longest beaches, Marina Beach in Chennai. The Chief Guest for the event was MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, along with senior officers from the Defence Forces and dignitaries from both state and central governments also attended the event.
The theme for this year, Sashakt, Saksham, Atmanirbhar (Potent, Powerful, Self-reliant), was vividly reflected in the IAF’s display of strength and skill. Demonstrating unmatched flying prowess, IAF aviators filled the Chennai skies with spectacular aerial maneuvers. The air show showcased the indomitable strength and spirit of the Indian Air Force, resonating with its motto, “Touch the Sky with Glory.”, added the statement.
(With ANI inputs)
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