The tragic incident at the Indian Air Force (IAF) air show on October 6 at Chennai’s Marina beach underscores the need for better event management and crowd control.
The show, part of the IAF’s 92nd anniversary celebrations, resulted in the deaths of five individuals, reportedly due to heatstroke, dehydration, and suffocation, as temperatures soared to 34-35°C.
Over 200 people fainted, and 102 were taken to nearby government hospitals, as confirmed by Tamil Nadu Health Minister M Subramanian.
Despite advisories from the IAF for spectators to prepare for the heat, many attendees complained of dizziness and other heat-related issues after the event.
The overwhelming turnout led to severe traffic congestion in Chennai, with Metro Rail and MRTS services unable to accommodate the large crowds, causing stations to be heavily overcrowded.
In response, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and attributed the chaos to the unexpectedly high attendance, despite coordinated efforts among various departments.
This event was not the first of its kind in Chennai. A similar air show on September 6, 2003, attracted approximately 13 lakh people but saw no heat-related fatalities, though traffic and train services were also disrupted at that time.
This recurrence suggests that authorities have not effectively learned from past events. While the Tamil Nadu government was responsible for logistical arrangements, the railway administration also faced criticism for its inadequate service response.
Defence officials, with their experience in organising such events nationwide, should have played a more proactive role in planning.
Following a fighter jet crash during an air show in New Delhi in 1989, the IAF had improved its preparations for Air Force Day events.
In light of this history, better coordination and foresight were expected for the Chennai show.
Subramanian claimed that the state government had met and exceeded the IAF’s logistical requirements, including the provision of toilets and drinking water, but these measures did not align with reports from attendees about shortages and inadequate facilities.
The authorities should have considered alternatives, such as limiting the number of attendees and setting up large screens to livestream the event.
Involving volunteers from educational institutions to assist police, transport and healthcare officials could have provided crucial support for managing the crowd and handling emergencies.
For future events, a thorough review and improvement of event planning are essential to prevent such tragedies.
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