Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin defends government after opposition attacks over 5 deaths at IAF show

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has come out in defence of his government after five people died during the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) mega air show at the Marina Beach in Chennai on Sunday (Oct 6). 

Amid criticism from the opposition parties, Stalin said the state authorities had provided adequate facilities as requested by the IAF.

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

“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 added.

Stalin also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh ($6,000) from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the families of the victims. 

Watch | Chennai Air Show Tragedy: Tamil Nadu Government Announces Compensation

Earlier on Monday, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai slammed the Stalin administration for negligence and compromising on the lives of the victims. 

“I was shocked to hear that five people died due to crowding, and more than 200 people were injured and admitted to the hospital during the IAF air show. The only reason for this is that the DMK government did not take care of public safety, failing to provide basic facilities and adequate transport arrangements,” Annamalai wrote in Tamil on X.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned the DMK government for inadequate planning and poor crowd management. 

“Administrative arrangements and crowds were not managed properly, and the police force was inadequate. The news is shocking that people were stuck in heavy traffic, with no drinking water available, and many were hospitalised due to heatstroke. Five people have died so far,” Palaniswami posted on X.

Despite knowing fully well that more than 1.5 million people were expected to turn up for the event, the Chennai City Police and Chennai Traffic Police did not make suitable arrangements to handle the heavy footfall. 

Though the air show was held between 11 am to 1 pm, most people gathered at the venue at least an hour before.

Viral videos showed choked metro stations and Mass Rapid Transport System (under the Indian Railways) stations where people were struggling. The scorching heat and cramped surroundings led to over 200 fainting, with 93 admitted to nearby hospitals. However, five succumbed to death, unfortunately. 

(With inputs from agencies)