Tragic air show: Five dead and over 90 hospitalized in mass escape | Chennai News

A tragedy occurred at the air show in which five people lost their lives and over 90 died hospitalized because of Dehydration. Chaos spread as the huge crowd, estimated at over 15 lakh, tried to leave the venue at the same time, leading to mass panic. The exit points were blocked, leaving people stranded in the scorching sun for over 40 minutes.
Desperate visitors broke through barricades while children suffered minor injuries in the scuffle. Ambulances were stranded for over 30 minutes, delaying medical assistance to those in need. Despite the deployment of 50 ambulances, navigating the dense crowd proved to be a challenge.
The deceased were identified as D John, 56, and Mani, both of whom collapsed near the Parthasarathy temple arch; Karthikeyan, 34, who died of chest pain while cycling after leaving the event; two others, Srinivasan and Dinesh, died due to heat-related illnesses and a heart attack, respectively.
Over 230 people were treated for fainting and dehydration, 93 of whom were hospitalized Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Omandurar Government Hospital.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “suffocating.” Sukshma said, “I have been stuck for over 40 minutes trying to get my mother out who is in a wheelchair.” Another visitor, Latha Mani, said, “My daughter had to go to the toilet but the crowd was unbearable. We had to leave for Porur without seeing my husband on the beach again.” The situation worsened when police temporarily locked the gates of the Commissionerate for Differently Disabled Welfare, leading to a brief protest.