Heatstroke claims five lives at IAF air show at Marina Beach in Chennai

On October 6, 2024, Marina Beach in Chennai hosted a spectacular Indian Air Force (IAF) air show, attracting a record crowd of nearly 15 lakh people. Despite the stunning aerobatic performances, the event turned tragic as five spectators died from heatstroke and many others were hospitalized.

Heatstroke Claims Lives
Despite the successful show, the aftermath turned grim when five people lost their lives due to heatstroke. According to the police, 34-year-old V. Karthikeyan, a resident of RMV Nagar, Thiruvottiyur, fainted while walking on Rajaji Road with his family after the event. He was rushed to Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital (RGGH), where he was pronounced dead. Another attendee, 56-year-old D. John from Korukkupet, collapsed near the Parthasarathy arch on Kamarajar Salai. He was taken to the Government Omandurar Multispeciality Hospital but could not be saved.

A third victim, identified as Srinivasan from Perungalathur, also fainted at the same location and succumbed on the way to the hospital. Dinesh Kumar, a man in his late 30s, was found dead on the sands of Marina Beach, while a fifth victim has yet to be identified. The bodies were sent for post-mortem examinations, and the exact causes of death are still being investigated.

According to RGGH Dean E. Therani Rajan, "Two persons were admitted to the hospital while the rest were treated as outpatients." The patients suffered from severe heatstroke, and underlying health conditions may have worsened their conditions, doctors said. "We don’t know the cause of death. If they are high-risk patients, the possibility is heatstroke or myocardial infarction," Rajan added.

Also Read: "Full administrative cooperation was extended": TN Health Minister on IAF's Chennai air show

Medical Services Overwhelmed
Government hospitals in the area were overwhelmed with patients suffering from dizziness and dehydration due to the extreme heat. Nearly 100 people were treated for heat-related illnesses, with 45 patients admitted to RGGH and 43 to Omandurar hospital. Seven individuals were taken to Government Royapettah Hospital.

Dr. Rajan explained, “When the temperature goes up, the hypothalamus cannot function properly. It goes for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) affecting the functions of vital organs.” Some patients also suffered from arrhythmia, leading to cardiac arrest.

The EMRI 108 ambulance services reported transporting over 100 patients to various hospitals during and after the event. Dr. Arvind, Dean of Omandurar Hospital, stated that the exact causes of death would be determined once the post-mortem reports were completed.

Public Transport and Amenities Under Strain
The enormous crowd that gathered for the air show placed significant pressure on Chennai’s public transportation system. Advisories had been issued by the Greater Chennai Traffic Police urging the public to use Metro and MRTS services to avoid congestion. However, despite these precautions, buses, trains, and Metro stations were severely overcrowded. Spectators reported long delays and difficulty boarding trains, especially at Government Estate Metro Rail Station and Anna Square bus stop, which were swarmed by people trying to exit the area.

Traffic around Marina Beach remained gridlocked for hours after the event concluded at 1 p.m. Authorities struggled to restore normalcy, with some areas seeing congestion for nearly three hours.

Many attendees criticized the lack of basic amenities, particularly the absence of drinking water and shaded areas, for the massive crowd. A senior police officer acknowledged the situation, noting, "Nearly a dozen people swooned on the Marina due to a near stampede-like situation and also because of the hot weather, and they were treated at a government facility."

Spectacular Show Amid Soaring Heat
The IAF air show was a highly anticipated event, showcasing 72 functional and vintage fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters. Enthusiastic families gathered on the sands of Marina Beach as early as 8 a.m., many coming prepared with umbrellas and water bottles to protect themselves from the scorching sun. However, many attendees were caught unprepared for the intense heat.

The show kicked off around 11 a.m., featuring the daring skills of the IAF's Special Garud Force commandos in a simulated rescue operation. The audience watched in awe as para-jump instructors made accurate landings and commandos slithered down ropes to reach the target areas. The highlight of the event was the Surya Kiran aerobatic team, which performed mesmerizing aerial formations, while the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet executed the “Loop-tumble-yaw” manoeuvre, dispensing flares that illuminated the skies.

The Sarang helicopter display team brought the event to a grand finale with their breathtaking aerial stunts. The IAF air show, held as part of the 92nd Indian Air Force Day celebrations, aimed to highlight India's growing air power and military readiness. This year’s theme, “Bharatiya Vayusena: Saksham, Sashakt aur Aatmnirbhar” (Indian Air Force: Capable, Strong, and Self-reliant), reinforced the IAF’s dedication to national security and modernization efforts.

This air show marked the third time the IAF held such a large-scale event outside the national capital. The previous two events were staged in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, in 2023 and in Chandigarh the year prior. These shows aim to foster public interest in the IAF's capabilities and showcase India’s air dominance.