Tragic loss at Chennai air show: 4 dead and 96 hospitalized
On October 6, 2024, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) air show at Marina Beach, Chennai, turned tragic due to inadequate crowd control. Four people lost their lives, and 96 were hospitalized after chaos erupted following the event. The deceased were identified as Srinivasan (48), Karthikeyan (34), John Babu (56), and Dinesh.
Over 13 lakh people attended the event, which had been publicized as a major celebration of the IAF’s 92nd anniversary. Unfortunately, the large crowd overwhelmed the facilities, with many suffering from dehydration due to the unavailability of drinking water. Traffic authorities struggled to manage the crowd when attendees attempted to leave the venue at the same time.
Four dead and 96 hospitalised as chaos erupts at #IAF’s #Chennai #AirShow pic.twitter.com/bLBzVIDHAA
— KLAPBOARD (@klapboardpost) October 6, 2024
Though the event entered the Limca Book of Records for the largest gathering at an air show, the lack of proper arrangements led to widespread complaints. Many spectators fainted, and ambulances were delayed by the heavy crowds. Some people even sought refuge on nearby campuses to escape the congestion.
Chennai had not hosted an air show in over two decades, and this one showcased 72 aircraft. However, despite extensive planning and security measures, the event’s failure to provide basic amenities for the massive crowd overshadowed the festivities. Emergency services were overwhelmed, and metro stations were swamped with stranded passengers, exacerbating the chaos.
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