Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin addressed the tragic incident following the Indian Air Force (IAF) air show held at Chennai’s Marina Beach on Sunday, which resulted in the deaths of five people and left 100 others hospitalized due to heat-related issues. Stalin stated that the state government had provided more facilities than the IAF had initially requested for the event, emphasizing the state’s cooperation in organizing the show.
The air show, which was part of a series of events by the IAF, attracted thousands of spectators who gathered to witness the aerial display. Despite the show’s success in terms of turnout, it took a tragic turn as many attendees struggled with the extreme heat. According to health officials, five people succumbed to heat-related complications, while approximately 100 others required medical attention, with seven still receiving treatment as of Monday.
Addressing the media, Stalin expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for each of the affected families. He also acknowledged the difficulties faced by attendees in accessing transport and reaching their vehicles after the event, as the number of people far exceeded expectations. “I have learned that people faced a lot of difficulties in reaching their vehicles and accessing public transport while leaving the event. Next time, for events of this magnitude, we will ensure better arrangements are in place,” he said.
Actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay also expressed his sorrow over the incident and urged the government to ensure better planning for large-scale events in the future. In a statement shared on social media, Thalapathy Vijay stressed the importance of effective implementation of basic facilities, transport, and security measures at such events to prevent similar tragedies. He encouraged the state to focus on better crowd management and the provision of essential needs during large gatherings.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirmed that five people had died from heatstroke and related complications. Out of the 100 people hospitalized, 93 have since been discharged, while the remaining seven are under treatment.
The air show, which took place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., saw large crowds gather under the scorching sun, with many attendees arriving more than an hour before the event. Despite efforts to shield themselves from the heat with umbrellas and other measures, the intense conditions proved too much for several attendees. The Tamil Nadu government has pledged to take corrective action in organizing future large-scale events, ensuring the safety and comfort of the public.
