Five die after IAF air show on Chennai’s Marina where 15 lakh spectators gathered

At least five persons died and several others were hospitalised after an Indian Air Force air show at Chennai’s Marina Beach on Sunday, The Hindu reported. More than 15 lakh persons attended the show.

Many attendees experienced dehydration and several fainted as temperatures reached 36 degree Celsius. The show was held between 11:30 am to 1 pm.

There were no provisions for water or medical assistance, several unidentified attendees told The Indian Express.

After the show concluded at 1 pm, heavy congestion was reported as the crowd started to leave the area.

More than 150 persons were given first aid in parts of the city for dehydration and stress, an unidentified police officer told The Indian Express.

“One death was reported on the beach, another near Napier Bridge [nearly two km from the Marina Beach],” the officer said. “Other victims died on their way back home at different places. It was not a stampede situation at one particular place.”

Among those who died, V Karthikeyan, a 34-year-old resident of RMV Nagar in Thiruvottiyur who had come for the air show with his family, suffered a heart attack near the Napier Bridge, The Hindu quoted unidentified police officers as saying.

Others who died included 48-year-old Srinivasan, who died near Santhome after collapsing in a parking area, and John Babu, a 56-year-old former staff member...

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