Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said the deaths of five people following an IAF event in Marina Beach were due to “high temperature”. Humidity is also a major factor for heat-related illnesses.

An air show to commemorate the Indian Air Force’s 92 anniversary at Chennai’s Marina Beach turned into a disaster on Sunday when five people died and nearly 100 were hospitalised. Soaring temperatures and a crowd of over 10 lakh people at the venue led to a stampede-like situation after the show,

While officials could not ascertain the cause of deaths at the show till the time of going to print, reports suggested that the deaths were likely due to dehydration and exhaustion

The October 6 air show, held to commemorate the IAF’s 92nd anniversary, was the first such event in Chennai in over two decades. But both organisers and authorities appeared woefully underprepared for the turnout.

Thousands of people faced challenges returning home from Marina Beach after an Indian Air Force air show. Crowds at nearby metro and railway stations and bus stops, combined with hot weather, caused near stampede-like situations,

Over 13 lakh spectators arrived at the venue via train, subway, metro, cars, and buses to watch the show, making it the greatest air show crowd ever recorded.