Chennai, Tamil Nadu (October 7, 2024): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed his condolences on Sunday following the tragic deaths of five individuals during an Indian Air Force (IAF) air show event at Marina Beach. In response, he announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakhs to each victim's family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
In a statement, he said, “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,” as quoted by ANI.
The IAF organized the air show at Marina Beach in anticipation of the upcoming 92nd Air Force Day on October 8.
"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. Because of this stampede was averted," he further said.
"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 further said.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirmed the deaths, attributing them to the aftereffects of excessive heat during the air show. "Five people died, all due to high temperatures. A total of 102 people were affected by the soaring heat, with 93 initially requiring hospitalization," he said. The deceased included two individuals at Omandurar General Hospital, two at Royapettah General Hospital, and one at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital.
Subramanian reported that the situation had improved, with only seven patients remaining in hospitals as of now. "Fortunately, the situation has improved, with only seven remaining inpatients," he added.
The Health Minister noted that precautionary measures had been communicated prior to the event. "The IAF had already informed attendees about precautions, including bringing umbrellas and water bottles," he stated.