"Unmanageable Gatherings Should...": DMK MP On Spectators' Death After Airshow

Five people died due to suspected heat stroke after an Indian Air Force show at Marina Beach in Chennai.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi today said the deaths of five people due to suspected heat stroke after an Indian Air Force show in Chennai was "very painful" and that "unmanageable gatherings" should be avoided, tacitly taking on the IAF that aimed to set a world record by bringing together about 15 lakh spectators.

The air show was held to celebrate the Air Force's 92nd anniversary and was organised at Marina Beach, which is among the world's longest beaches.

The Air Force had planned to conduct the mega event to set a Limca Book of World Record by aiming to mobilise 15 lakh spectators. But closer to the air show -- scheduled between 11 am to 1 pm -- the crowd got so large that the elevated MRTS railway stations along the Marina Beach road had turned into a sea of people.

"It is very painful and sorrowful to know that five people have died due to soaring heat after attending the IAF Air Show at Marina Beach, Chennai. Unmanageable gatherings should be avoided," Ms Kanimozhi posted on X.