Chennai Air Show: Deaths due to exhaustion reach 5; 100 taken to hospital for treatment

Chennai Air Show: The IAF air show on the Marina was a stunning success, attended by around 15 lakh people. However, five individuals died and two were hospitalised at the end of the show, while around 100 were treated as outpatients at government hospitals.

Hundreds of people began thronging the Marina as early as 8 a.m. The buses, trains, and Metro were all packed for hours as people rushed to get to the beach to see the performance. Soon, there was gridlock around the world-famous beach, and visitors had to walk significant distances to reach the Marina.

According to the advice, many people arrived with umbrellas and water to protect themselves from the blazing sun. Thousands of others had also arrived unprepared. 

While the various aircraft and their aerobatic skills captivated the audience, five people who had come to watch the air show fainted and died on Sunday afternoon after the event ended, according to a senior police officer. 

The air show featured a range of impressive performances, including a demonstration by the Special Garud Force commandos who conducted a simulated rescue operation, showcasing their skills in freeing hostages. This display was just one of the many thrilling segments of the event.

In total, the air show presented 72 aircraft, including the advanced Rafale fighter jets and the indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. Other highlights included the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and the iconic Dakota heritage aircraft, which drew significant attention from aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike.

The air show attracted an astonishing crowd of approximately 1.5 million people, making it one of the most highly anticipated events of 2024. Despite the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the celebrations, the unfortunate incidents serve as a somber reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions during large public gatherings.