HomenationalIAF's spectacular aerobatic feat stole hearts in Chennai, killing five spectators

IAF’s spectacular aerobatic feat stole hearts in Chennai, killing five spectators

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CHENNAI: A spectacular air show by the Indian Air Force in the skies over Marina Beach was a big draw here on Sunday, but at least five people died among thousands of spectators, including from exhaustion. A senior city police official said one person died on the beachfront and four others nearby, five of the thousands who had gathered along the kilometers-long coastline to watch the air show.

Leader of Opposition and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned the incident and accused the DMK government of failing to make proper arrangements for such an important event and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved. To witness the incident, thousands of people stood in the scorching sun for at least 2 to 3 hours and many held umbrellas to protect themselves. Although the air show was held from 11 am to 1 pm, most people reached the venue at least an hour before.

30 people were taken to hospital

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Many people passed out and emergency workers stretched them out and cared for them in shelters. Around 30 people were rushed to nearby government hospitals with symptoms of dehydration. Following the incident, arterial roads, especially those close to the beach area, were completely choked and buses as well as local trains including the MRTS and Metro were jammed.

The bus stop at Anna Square near the performance venue was packed with people. Due to traffic restrictions, people had to walk long distances to catch buses or reach train stations. Although there was a brief stampede as thousands of people tried to exit the venue at the same time, police said they successfully controlled the crowd and kept ambulances on their way to safety.

Crowd at Marina Beach

Excited families gathered on the sands of the Marina Beach as the air show began as the IAF’s Special Garuda Force commandos displayed their daring skills in a simulated rescue operation and freeing hostages.

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The precision landing of the para jump instructors on the target area and the commandos dashing to reach the target area mesmerized the viewers. Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy CM Udayanidhi Stalin, State Ministers, Chennai Mayor R. Priya and a host of other celebrities.

72 aircraft for air show

Although the clear sky provided a good view of the spectacular air show of IAF aircraft, people gathered on the sandy beach lit up their umbrellas as the mega show ended at 1 pm for an aerial photograph from an IAF aircraft. Around 72 aircraft participated in the air display organized to enter the Limca Book of World Records.

Around 50 aircraft, including the Rafale, were showered with flames by supersonic fighter jets. Heritage aircraft Dakota and Harvard, Tejas, SU-30 and Sarang also took part in the aerial salute. A Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet performed a “loop-tumble-ya” maneuver and distributed fire.

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Suriyakiran also took to the sky to enthuse the audience.

Tejas and Prachand performance

The pride of the nation, and our very own indigenously manufactured state-of-the-art Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and Light Combat Helicopter Prachand will also participate in the flypast and air show in Chennai after a gap of 21 years: “Saksam, Sasakta, Amtanirbhar.” This is the third time that something like this has happened outside the National capital. The last performance was on October 8, 2023 in Sangam area of ​​Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh and the previous year in Chandigarh.

The grand finale was a breathtaking performance by the Sarang Helicopter Demonstration Team, who performed amazing aerobatics. The Rafale is flying across the sky, demonstrating its ability to refuel, and the Dakota in action is a sight to behold.

Kanchi, Nataraj, Dhanush, Marina and Nilgiri were involved in the manufacture of aircraft. “Chennai enjoyed a spectacular performance by the superstars in its skies – our #IAF heroes! Thank you @IAF_MCC! #Airshow2024,” the Chief Minister later said in a post on social media platform ‘X’. He posted photos of the impressive event.

First, Stalin received the memento at the hands of Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. A defense statement said over 1.5 lakh people witnessed the colorful and spectacular display of the country’s air fighters with over 72 aircraft.

“The entire beachfront from Kovalam to Ennur on the East Coast Road and rooftops of high-rise buildings were thronged to watch the airshow return to the city after nearly 21 years,” it said. The largest air shows ever held, Delhi used to hold an annual event for a long time to allow people from other cities to witness the event.

(Inputs from PTI)

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