At least five people died, and more than 100 were hospitalised after suffering heatstroke and exhaustion at an Indian Air Force (IAF) air show held on Sunday at Marina Beach in Chennai.
The air show, which attracted an estimated 1.5 million people, coincided with temperatures that reached 35°C (95°F), creating dangerous conditions for the large crowd.
Among the deceased was V. Karthikeyan, a 34-year-old resident of RMV Nagar, who collapsed and was declared dead on arrival at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH).
Two other victims also died after being rushed to hospitals due to heat-related illnesses.
In total, around 100 people were treated at local hospitals, many suffering from dizziness and dehydration. RGGGH Dean Dr. Therani Rajan confirmed that 45 individuals were treated for heatstroke at his hospital alone.
Only two patients required overnight admission, while others were treated as outpatients. Many of the victims had underlying health conditions, which may have worsened their susceptibility to the extreme heat.
Spectators began arriving early in the morning, resulting in traffic gridlock and congestion that made it difficult for emergency vehicles to reach the area. Many attendees, unprepared for the harsh conditions, fainted due to dehydration and exhaustion.
Despite the size of the crowd, several attendees complained that authorities failed to provide sufficient drinking water and shaded areas, leaving many vulnerable to the heat.
The police confirmed that five individuals had died by the end of the event, while hospital sources reported over 100 heatstroke cases. Ambulance services were stretched thin, with 108 EMRI ambulances transporting many of the victims to hospitals.
The event’s organisers and local government are now facing criticism for the lack of adequate preparations and safety measures. Lawmaker Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, from Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, described the reports of the deaths as “painful” and pledged a review of the safety protocols at public events.
