CM Stalin promises better planning after tragedy at Chennai air show claims 5 lives

Following the air show at Chennai’s Marina Beach, resulted in five deaths and over 100 hospitalisations, Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed deep regret and pledged to enhance crowd management for future events. The show, held to celebrate the Indian Air Force's 92nd anniversary, attracted an unprecedented turnout of approximately 12-13 lakh people, far surpassing the initial estimate of 11 lakh attendees. While efforts were made to control the crowd, inadequate planning for dispersal led to chaos as thousands rushed to leave the venue.

In his statement, Stalin acknowledged that, despite preventing a stampede, significant hardships were faced by families, particularly the elderly and children. He emphasized the need for an efficient exit strategy that prioritizes vulnerable groups during large gatherings. “Next time, we will ensure a structured plan is in place for safe and timely dispersal,” he assured the public. The Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased as a measure of support.

Stalin also pointed out the importance of inter-departmental coordination for effective crowd management. Although emergency services and barricades were in place, the overwhelming attendance exposed critical gaps in planning, particularly regarding transportation access after the event. “We must learn from this incident and implement better practices moving forward,” he stated. As the investigation continues, CM Stalin reaffirmed the government's commitment to public safety. He called for a thorough review of the arrangements made for the air show and promised that lessons learned will guide future event planning, ensuring that such a tragedy does not occur again.