Chennai Air show deaths: Chief Minister MK Stalin rejects opposition's 'poor management' allegations

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Oct 7 strongly rejected allegations of opposition that poor management led to the death of five people and injuries to over 200 at the Indian Air Force Air (IAF) show in Chennai's Marina Beach on Oct 6.

In a statement, Stalin said, “Arrangements were made to conduct the IAF Air Show in Chennai Marina. Facilities and administration assistance was provided as per IAF requirement and demand.”

Stalin's remarks came in response to the opposition attacks after five people died due to overcrowding and extreme exhaustion at the air show marking the 92nd Indian Air Force Day celebration on Marina Beach.

A senior Chennai police official was quoted as saying that one person died on the beachfront and four others in the vicinity. He said that all five were among the thousands who had gathered along the several-kilometer-long shoreline to witness the air show.

“Arrangements were made to hold one great event for the people of Chennai with the coordination of the Fire and Rescue Department, Police Department, Chennai Corporation, and Health Department. Because of this stampede was averted,” Stalin added.

Due to unexpected overcrowding, the public suffered after the event in reaching their vehicles and accessing public transport.
“I am in pain and grief knowing that five deaths occurred due to excess heat and other medical reasons—condolences to the victims' families and relatives. An ex gratia of ₹5 lakhs each would be given from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund,” he added.

Complete mismanagement led to deaths: Opposition

The opposition parties including Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) have alleged that ‘mismanagement' led to the deaths at the air show.

“When you have an incompetent person as your chief minister, his counsel of ministers will also be incompetent. You cannot accept a better result than this. While MK Stalin and his family happily watched the show in the air-conditioned makeshift, the people had to walk for 5-10kms to watch this air show...No public address system could guide the people,” AIADMK leader Kovai Sathyan was quoted as saying.

Tamil Nadu Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) chief K Annamalai recently posted on X, "I was shocked to hear that 5 people died due to crowding and over 200 people were injured and admitted to the hospital for treatment during the IAF show at Chennai Marina Beach."

“The only reason for this is that the DMK government has not taken care of the public's safety without providing basic facilities and adequate transport arrangements for the public who came to witness the IAF Air Show,” Annamalai added.