Dehydration, suffocation kills 5 in crowded show: MUST do things before going to shows, satsangs – Times of India

A tragic incident has come to the fore where 5 have died and 100 have been hospitalized due to heatstroke. The incident happened in Chennai where thousands had gathered at the Marina Beach to watch the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) airshow. The craze for the thrilling air display drew many spectators.
The Indian Air Force organized the Air Show at Chennai’s Marina Beach ahead of the upcoming 92nd Air Force Day on October 8. On Sunday, at Marina Beach the maximum temperature touched 35 degrees Celsius (95 F), according to the weather department.
According to DMK leader TKS Elangovan, 15 lakh people had gathered at the Marina Beach on Sunday.

Spectators have revealed details of the tragedy to the media. “I found it extremely difficult to take the MRTS train to Chintadripet as Velachery station was fully packed with people eager to see the air display,” K Sridhar from Velachery told news agency ANI. Nevertheless, he managed to take his family of four to the Marina and back, though fully sapped of energy while commuting home. Chandramohan, a software engineer who attended the event and uses only one name, said there was no water supply at the function despite the “hot and humid” weather and he saw people fainting due to lack of air circulation and dehydration, ANI reported.

Attending crowded shows can be thrilling, but it’s essential to take precautions to avoid unavoidable situations. Hydration is key in such events. Drink plenty of water before the event, and carry a refillable water bottle if allowed. Avoid excessive alcohol or caffeinated drinks, as they can worsen dehydration. Keep sipping water throughout to stay hydrated, especially if the event is long or in a hot environment.

To prevent suffocation, always be mindful of your surroundings. Try to stay in areas with good airflow and avoid overcrowded spaces where breathing can become difficult. If the crowd gets too dense, move to the edges to get fresh air. It’s also a good idea to locate exits and emergency areas as soon as you arrive, ensuring a safe route if the crowd becomes overwhelming.

Wearing light, breathable clothing can help your body regulate temperature, reducing the risk of overheating. If you’re prone to anxiety or respiratory issues, consider carrying a small portable fan or mask to help with breathing.
Lastly, stay with friends or in groups, so you can look out for each other. This ensures you have help in case of an emergency and adds an extra layer of safety.