Visuals showed a sea of people stretching for kilometers, packed so tightly that there was no room to even stand. The overcrowding appeared chaotic as if no organizational efforts were made by the managing authorities. Even the platforms at nearby railway stations were overflowing with people, leaving no space to move or breathe.

According to reports, at least five spectators lost their lives, and nearly 100 were hospitalized due to dehydration. The Tamil Nadu Health Department reported that 93 people were treated for heatstroke and dehydration, with most discharged after receiving medical aid. The airshow, which began at 11 am and lasted until 1 pm, attracted an estimated 1.5 million people. The heavy crowd and the intense heat caused 230 attendees to faint, while several parts of the city came to a standstill as people struggled to return home.

“Nearly a dozen people collapsed at the event due to near stampede-like conditions and the scorching sun. They were treated at a government facility,” said authorities.