Five spectators died, and 230 others were hospitalised due to dehydration at an air show in Chennai, held to celebrate the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force, authorities stated. The air show, intended to be a thrilling display of the Indian Air Force’s aerial prowess, turned tragic as the combination of high temperatures and overcrowding overwhelmed attendees.
Lakhs of people were left stranded in Chennai after the grand air show came to standstill due to poor coordination by traffic authorities. Several parts of the city witnessed similar occurrences as the massive crowd, gathered at Marina Beach, struggled to disperse after the event.
The Indian Air Force’s ambitious attempt to draw a record-breaking 1.5 million spectators stretched local resources beyond capacity. By 11 am, when the airshow began, the crowd had become unmanageable, filling Marina Beach Road and surrounding areas, including elevated MRTS stations.
Thousands braved Chennai’s sweltering heat, with some using umbrellas to shield themselves from the blazing sun, but adequate drinking water and cooling areas were reportedly absent.
The lack of basic amenities created a taxing experience for attendees. Many struggled to find drinking water, and eateries along Marina Beach were either closed or quickly sold out of supplies, forcing people to travel several kilometres on foot to locate refreshments or retrieve parked vehicles.
The intense heat and overcrowding left some individuals dehydrated and exhausted; several were seen resting along sidewalks, and others fainted from the heat.
The sudden influx of people also led to major traffic blockages, with spectators and vehicles occupying every inch of available road space. The Chennai City Police had deployed around 6,500 personnel and 1,500 home guards, yet the chaotic environment overwhelmed available resources.
Witnesses report that police response was insufficient, with many officers becoming bystanders rather than actively controlling traffic or helping with medical emergencies. Ambulances struggled to move through the gridlocked streets, heightening frustration among the public.
