NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Monday condoled and announced Rs 5 lakh financial aid for the families of those who died during the Indian Air Force‘s air show in Chennai and said that the situation was a result of excess heat and other medical reasons.
“I was in pain and grief knowing that 5 deaths occurred due to excess heat and other medical reasons. Condolences to the victims’ families and relatives.An ex gratia of Rs 5 lakhs each would be given from chief minister’s Relief Fund,” the CM said in a statement.
He elaborated on the preparations made for air show, stating that facilities and administrative assistance were provided as per the requirements and demands of the Indian Air Force.
“Arrangements were made to conduct IAF Air Show in Chennai Marina. Facilities and administration assistance was provided as per IAF requirement and demand. Arrangements were made to provide one great event to people of Chennai with the coordination of Fire and Rescue Department, Police Department, Chennai Corporation and Health Department,” the chief minister said.
At least five spectators who went to watch the air show died on Sunday and over 90 were hospitalised for fainting and dehydration. The doctors said that the actual cause of death can only be determined after postmortem test results are available.
The airshow, held to mark the Indian Air Force’s 92nd anniversary had the Marina Beach buzzing with excitement earlier in the day, with a crowd of 15 lakh spectators, the largest ever for an airshow, filled the beach and set a new record in the Limca Book of Records.
Stalin further said that despite the efforts to prevent a stampede, the unexpected overcrowding led to difficulties for the public.
“Because of this stampede was averted. Due to unexpected overcrowding, public suffered after the event in reaching their vehicles and accessing public transport. Next time, we would focus more and arrangements would be done when similar big events are planned,” he added.
Earlier sharing a post on X, Annamalai wrote, “I was shocked to hear that 5 people died due to crowding and more than 200 people were injured and admitted to the hospital for treatment during the IAF ‘AIR Show’ program held at Chennai Marina Beach. The only reason for this is that the DMK government has not taken care of the safety of the public without providing basic facilities and adequate transport arrangements for the public who came to witness the IAF Air Show.”