Chennai, Oct 7 (UNI) As the much awaited Air show marking the 92nd anniversary of IAF ended on Sunday, five people, who were caught in the crowd on the Marina beach front, have died due to suffocation and fainting, according to Opposition Parties and the media.
But there was no official confirmation from the police and the Government, which said adequate security arrangements were made for the event.
Reports quoting Opposition party statements said five people, who were caught in the massive crowd of 15 lakh people who thronged the beach front for the air show, fainted and swooned.
They were taken to hospital where they died and several were hospitalised.
But a statement issued by Health Minister Ma.Subramanian said all security arrangements were put in place for the event and there was no laxity on the part of the government.
There was no mention of any casualties in his one page statement and when contacted by UNI police sources also said there was no official confirmation about the deaths.
Earlier reports said at least 20 people, who were caught in the crowd fainted and were admitted to hospital after first aid.
Media reports said the first death was reported around 9.00 pm in the night when an elderly person, who came to witness the air spectacle died at the government hospital.
Later, at around 2300 hrs and past midnight TV and media reports said a total of five people have died despite treatment, though it was not officially confirmed.
The Health Minister in a statement late last night said that the government extended full cooperation for the event and a coordination committee headed by the Chief Secretary oversaw the arrangements along with senior government officials for the smooth conduct of the event.
He said two medical teams and enough medicos along with nurses and para medics were posted at the venue to attend any emergency.
Apart from this medical teams from Army were are also put in place, besides 40 ambulances along with paramedics were deployed at the venue.
The Minister said as a precautionary measure 100 beds with the deployment of 65 doctors were kept in readiness at the government hospital to treat any emergency and all basic amenities were provided to the public, including drinking water and toilet facilities.
Mr Subramanian also said nearly 7,500 police personnel were deployed on security duty.
“Adequate arrangements more than the requirements expected have been made for the Air Show by the State government”, he said in the statement.
Meanwhile, Opposition AIADMK Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami claimed that five people who were caught in the crowd have died and blamed the ruling DMK for not making adequate arrangements for the benefit of public.
This was also said by ousted AIADMK Leader O Pannerselvam and BJP Leder K.Annamalai blaming the state government for the death of five people.
