Chennai, India — A tragic turn marred an air show hosted by the Indian Air Force at Marina Beach in Chennai on Sunday, resulting in at least five deaths and over 100 hospitalizations due to heat-related illnesses. The event, which drew a crowd estimated to be around 1.5 million people, took place under sweltering temperatures that soared to 35°C (95°F).
V. Karthikeyan, 34, from RMV Nagar, was among those who succumbed, after collapsing at the venue and subsequently being declared dead upon his arrival at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Two other attendees also lost their lives after being taken to hospitals suffering from heatstroke and exhaustion.
The local medical facilities were overwhelmed with cases, as approximately 100 individuals received treatment for symptoms ranging from dizziness to severe dehydration. Dr. Therani Rajan, Dean of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, reported that 45 of those cases were diagnosed as heatstroke. Of all the patients, only two required overnight hospitalization, indicating they were treated as emergency cases.
The huge turnout began congregating at the beach early in the morning, which led to significant traffic congestions. The logjams made accessibility for emergency services challenging. Unfortunately, many who came were ill-prepared for the extreme weather conditions; numerous instances of fainting were reported, attributed to dehydration and exhaustion.
Attendees expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangements at the venue, noting an inadequate supply of drinking water and a lack of sufficient shaded areas to shield them from the harsh sun. This inadequacy left many vulnerable to the oppressive heat, raising questions about the preparedness of the organizers.
In response to the fatalities and the medical emergencies, local authorities and event organizers have faced public and political backlash. Criticism has been especially vocal from key figures such as Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, a lawmaker from Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. Karunanidhi described the reports of the deaths as “painful” and has called for a comprehensive review of the safety protocols for public gatherings.
This incident highlights a critical need for better planning and safety measures at large public events, particularly in the face of extreme weather conditions. The repercussions of this event signal a possible re-evaluation of protocols to ensure the welfare of attendees at future events. With climate experts predicting more frequent and severe heatwaves, the imperative for public health preparedness and adequate event planning becomes even more crucial to prevent such tragedies in the future.