Five persons die due to heatstroke after IAF air show on the Marina

Around 15 lakh people watched the show on Sunday

Despite the spectacular success of the IAF air show on the Marina, which was witnessed by around 15 lakh people, five persons died and two were hospitalised by the end of the event.

About 100 others were treated as outpatients in government hospitals.

Hundreds of people started thronging Marina beach from as early as 8 a.m.

Buses and trains were crowded for hours. The rush caused a gridlock around the world-famous beach, with spectators having to walk for long distances to reach the venue.

In Pictures | Throwback to Chennai's first air show in 2003

The aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force performs aerobatics in the skies over Air Force Station Tambaram in Chennai on September 2, 2003

During the rehearsal of the air show, twin parachuters descend from the sky at Marina Beach in Chennai on September 5, 2003

Enthralled crowd watches Surya Kiran, a nine-member aerobatics team from the Indian Air Force (IAF), during the air show in Chennai on September 6, 2003.

The nine-member Surya Kiran aerobatic team displays a colourful formation in the skies of the Marina Beach in Chennai on September 4, 2003

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy keenly watching the IAF's air show at Marina Beach in Chennai on September 6, 2003

Helicopters with the national flag at the air show at Marina Beach in Chennai on September 6, 2003

Akash Ganga, the Indian Air Force skydiving team, performing at the air show in Chennai on September 6, 2003

Aerobatics performed by the Suryakirans at the air show by the Indian Air Force at Marina Beach in Chennai on September 6, 2003.

Surya Kiran aerobatics team performing during the air show at Marina Beach in Chennai on September 6, 2003

Surya Kiran aerobatics team performing during the air show on September 6, 2003

Spectators watching the paratroopers performing at the air show by the Indian Air Force at Marina Beach in Chennai on September 6, 2003

A view of the crowd watching the IAF air show at the Marina Beach on September 6, 2003
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Several people had carried umbrellas and water to protect themselves from the searing heat. Five persons, who had come to witness the show, fainted and died, a senior police official said.

V. Karthikeyan, 34, a resident of RMV Nagar in Thiruvottiyur, fainted near the INS Adyar gate. He was rushed to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) where he was declared brought dead. D. John, 56, a resident of Korukkupet, and Srinivasan, from Perungalathur, fainted near the Parthasarathy arch on Kamarajar Salai. Both were rushed to the Government Omandurar Multispeciality hospital, but died later, the official said.

One person, identified as Dinesh Kumar, was found dead on the Marina. His body has been sent to Government Royapettah Hospital for post-mortem. The fifth deceased was identified as Mani.

Nearly 100 persons were taken to government hospitals around the Marina for dizziness. Forty-five persons were treated in the RGGGH, 43 at the Omandurar hospital, and seven at the Government Royapettah Hospital.

RGGGH Dean E. Therani Rajan said only two persons were admitted to the hospital, and the rest were treated as outpatients. The hospital received one person who was declared ‘dead on arrival’. “We do not know the cause of death. If they are high-risk patients, the possibility is heat stroke or myocardial infarction...,” he said.

Chennai IAF air show 2024: Breathtaking display dominate Marina sky

A view of the crowd which witnessed spectacular peformances by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Marina beach in Chennai on October 6, 2024. Advisories were also issued by the Greater Chennai Traffic Police urging the public to use the Metro and MRTS service and plan their travel accordingly to ensure a smoother experience of the show.

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) aerobatic team performs during the mega air show held at Marina beach in Chennai on October 6, 2024. Enthusiastic families gathered on the sands of the Marina beach, many holding umbrellas to shield themselves from the blazing sun, ahead of 11 a.m. when the air show commenced with the Special Garud Force commandos of the IAF displaying their daring skills in a simulated rescue operation and in freeing the hostage.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, along with Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Amar Preet Singh and other dignitaries, watches the event at the Marina Beach on October 6, 2024.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with other DMK leaders, witnesses the Chennai Air Show 2024 at Marina Beach in Chennai.

Para jump instructors making an accurate landing on the target area and the commandos slithering in to reach the target area held the spectators spellbound.

Chennai Air Show 2024 showcased 72 functional and vintage fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters, The event highlights India’s growing air power and military readiness, also an attempt to enter the Limca Book of Records for attracting the largest gathering for an air show.

This year’s theme, ‘Bharatiya Vayusena: Saksham, Sashakt aur Aatmnirbhar’ (Indian Air Force: Capable, Strong, and Self-reliant), underscores the IAF’s commitment to national security, self-reliance, and modernisation efforts.

The IAF’s air show event highlights India’s growing air power and military readiness.

A view of the crowd at the Marina Beach watching the 92nd Indian Air Force Day celebrations. Nearly 72 aircraft took part in the air display which is set to enter the Limca Book of World Records.

The Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet performed the “Loop-tumble-yaw” manoeuvrability and dispensed flares. The Suryakiiran, too, took to the skies to enthrall the crowd.

It is the third time such one outside the national capital. The last spectacle was carried out over the Sangam area in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on October 8, 2023, and in Chandigarh in the previous year.

A view of the Sarang display team seen over Marina beach on October 6, 2024.

The grand finale was a breathtaking performance by the Sarang helicopter display team that performed a stunning aerial manoeuvre.

Though the clear skies provided a good view of the fascinating air show by the IAF aircraft, people gathered on the sandy beach flashed their umbrellas for an aerial photography from the IAF aircraft towards the end of the mega show at 1 p.m.

A view of the deserted Chennai Airport due to the IAF air show on October 6, 2024.

Volunteers take a woman for medical treatment after she fainted during the the air show due to the scorching heat.

After the event was over, heavy crowd converged at Government Estate Metro Rail Station to commute back to their home. People had to wait for long just to enter the concourse of the station and finally board a train much later.

Traffic jam at Marina loop road as people leave after witnessing the Indian Air Force's (IAF) air show as part of the 92nd anniversary celebrations of IAF, at Marina Beach, in Chennai, on October 6, 2024.
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“We received 43 people with complaints of giddiness. When the temperature goes up, the hypothalamus cannot function properly. It goes for systemic inflammatory response syndrome, affecting the functions of vital organs. Some people suffer from arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), leading to cardiac arrest and death,” Dr. Therani Rajan added.

The patients had suffered a severe heatstroke. Underlying ailments may have resulted in their collapsing, doctors said. EMRI 108 ambulance officials said over 100 patients were taken to hospitals. Many persons complained that the government did not make arrangements to provide amenities, especially safe drinking water.

Published - October 06, 2024 10:06 pm IST