Chennai: 4 Dead, 108 Hospitalised After IAF Air Show; EPS Slams CM Stalin Over ‘Failure To Provide Security’

Four people have died while 108 required medical attention following the Indian Air Force (IAF) air show at Marina Beach in Tamil Nadu’s capital Chennai. Karthikeyan, hailing from Thiruvottriyur, collapsed while watching the event and was subsequently admitted to a hospital. Despite medical efforts, he did not survive, increasing the death toll from the event to four, ABP Nadu reported. 
Earlier, a man named John from Korukkupet fainted while returning home after the show. He was also hospitalised but later died due to lack of treatment. Two others, Srinivasan and Dinesh Kumar from Perungulathur, also lost their lives under similar circumstances, according to ABP Nadu’s report.
According to inputs by ABP Nadu, a total of 108 attendees suffered health issues due to the extreme heat and sought treatment at various government medical colleges. Four patients were admitted as in-patients, including John, who was around 60 years old. Nine others were treated for dehydration, while 30 individuals were admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, with 25 having since returned home, leaving five still under treatment.
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<h3>What Happened At IAF Air Show In Chennai</h3>
Prior to the event, the Chennai police and the Greater Chennai Corporation collaborated to make the necessary arrangements. From 7 a.m. onwards, crowds began gathering at the venue, and parking facilities were established along several roads.
Initial planning appeared effective, keeping the crowd under control as attendees arrived at staggered intervals. However, chaos ensued when all attendees tried to exit the venue simultaneously after the show. Multiple routes led from the beach to Kamarajar Salai, leading to a bottleneck as people converged on the same paths. The police, reportedly overwhelmed, failed to coordinate traffic effectively, resulting in significant congestion and many attendees becoming trapped.
<h3>Chennai Air Show Deaths: EPS Slams CM Stalin Over ‘Failure To Provide Security’</h3>
Pinning the blame on CM MK Stalin-led Tamil Nadu Government, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami wrote on X, “In conjunction with the 92nd commencement day of the Indian Air Force, the air show in Chennai was organised to showcase the prowess of the air force. The announcement was made in advance, with the Tamil Nadu government indicating that arrangements would be made for the expected large turnout in terms of traffic and basic amenities.”
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”>
இந்திய பாதுகாப்புத் துறையின் முக்கிய அங்கங்களுள் ஒன்றான இந்திய விமானப் படையின் 92வது துவக்க நாள் விழாவை முன்னிட்டு, விமானப் படையின் தீரத்தை பறைசாற்றும் வண்ணம் சென்னையில் இன்று வான் சாகச நிகழ்ச்சி அரங்கேறியது. இதற்கான அறிவிப்பு முன்கூட்டியே வெளியான நிலையில், லட்சக்கணக்கான மக்கள்…
— Edappadi K Palaniswami – Say No To Drugs & DMK (@EPSTamilNadu) <a href=”https://twitter.com/EPSTamilNadu/status/1842951282010796472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Despite this, the management of the event was inadequate, and the police were insufficiently deployed to maintain order amid the large crowds. Reports suggest that many attendees suffered from severe crowding and were deprived of drinking water, resulting in hospital admissions. It has been deeply distressing to learn that five individuals have lost their lives thus far, he mentioned.
Palaniwami extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, stating, “My sincere sympathies and regrets to the families of those who lost their lives. I strongly condemn the mismanagement by the DMK government, which failed to properly organise such an important event.”
He added, “Events showcasing the capabilities of the Indian Air Force have been successfully held in various cities across India; however, it is disheartening that such fatalities occurred at today’s event in Tamil Nadu. I express my strong disapproval of this government led by @mkstalin for failing to provide adequate security for this event.”