Several people were injured after a tin roof they were standing on to watch the air show in Bhopal came crashing down today. More than a dozen people, as seen in a video, had climbed on the roof of a shop to get a clear view of aircraft that took part in the show.

The shop itself was flanked by several people waiting to catch a glimpse of the air show.

The Air Force held an aerial display over Bhojtal Lake in Madhya Pradesh’s capital city to mark its 91st anniversary.

The air show venue saw a huge crowd even before the event began around 10 AM. Visuals showed a sea of people on the streets as thousands of people from Bhopal and surrounding districts gathered to watch the show.

Vehicle entry was restricted around the event at the Boat Club area from. As per a statement, specific arrangements were made along VIP Road for the convenience of the general public.

However, all the traffic diversion plans and routes failed due to the overwhelming crowd, leading to massive jams for hours both before and after the show.

The main event was attended by Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan and Governor Mangubhai Patel.

CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopters of the Air Force were among the jets that showcased thrilling aerobatic performances over the lake.

Air Force Day marks the official induction of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1932. Every year, the day is celebrated in the presence of the Indian Air Force chief and senior officers.

To mark its 91st Anniversary, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has planned an aerial display over Bhojtal Lake in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, today. The event will be held at the Boat Club, taking place at the Upper Lake. Residents and visitors in the city will be treated to thrilling aerobatic performances, showcasing the nation’s air prowess. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Central Air Command (CAC) shared a glimpse of SU 30s in a Trishul manoeuvre in an air display practice, and also the Suryakirans over Bhojtal Lake. 

“#91st_Air_Force_Anniversary #Bhopal #Bhojtal_Lake #Air_Display_Practice #SU_30s in a Trishul Manoeuvre. The Majestic #Suryakirans over Bhojtal Lake, Bhopal. Aerial refuelling prowess of #IAF #HarKaamDeshKeNaam,” the CAC wrote on X. 

Take a look below: 

#91st_Air_Force_Anniversary#Bhopal#Bhojtal_Lake#Air_Display_Practice#SU_30s in a Trishul Manoeuvre

The Majestic #Suryakirans over Bhojtal Lake, Bhopal

Aerial refuelling prowess of #IAF#HarKaamDeshKeNaampic.twitter.com/3OMgX5AYXN

— CAC, IAF (@CAC_CPRO) September 28, 2023

Separately, IAF tweeted, “On the occasion of its #91stAnniversary, the Indian Air Force will be carrying out an aerial display at the Bhojtal Lake in Bhopal. Do watch it LIVE on all IAF Social Media Handles.”

#AirPowerBeyondBoundaries

On the occasion of its #91stAnniversary, the Indian Air Force will be carrying out an aerial display at the Bhojtal Lake in Bhopal.

Do watch it LIVE on all IAF Social Media Handles.#AFDP23pic.twitter.com/9PdH0GOhpm

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 29, 2023

In view of the event, the traffic police have also released specific traffic and parking guidelines for Saturday. According to a post by Bhopal Traffic Police, arrangements have been put in place along VIP road from Retghat to Khanugaon for the general public to witness the programme. 

दिनांक 30.09.2023 को #बोट_क्लब पर #भारतीय_वायूसेना का वायु प्रदर्शन कार्यक्रम के दौरान-
प्रातः 08 बजे से कार्यक्रम समाप्ति तक पार्किंग एवं यातायात व्यवस्था तथा आवश्यकतानुसार #यातायात_डायवर्सन व्यवस्था जन सुविधा के लिये उपलब्ध है ।@CP_Bhopal@ianuragIPS@MPPoliceDeptt@IAF_MCCpic.twitter.com/2yeK0wzDGG

— DCP Traffic, Bhopal (@dcpbpl_Traffic) September 28, 2023

Access to the event at the Boat Club will be restricted to pass holders. Blue and green pass holders will be directed to the area in front of the Wind and Wave Restaurant of Madhya Pradesh Tourism (MPT). Media members with yellow passes will be allowed to park their vehicles at the Hotel Ranjit Lake View.

The buses carrying the 500 invited students to the Boat Club event will be parked at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya after dropping off the students. Visitors arriving from Smart City Road, Banganga, Machhli Ghar, and Polytechnic will be guided to park their vehicles within the Ravindra Bhawan complex.

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Notably, vehicle entry will be restricted from Polytechnic Square and Kilol Park in the direction of the Boat Club. As per the press note, specific arrangements have been made along VIP Road for the convenience of the general public interested in viewing the show. 

Moreover, during the event, traffic restrictions will be in effect on several routes, including Lalghati to VIP Road, Collectorate Trisection to Koh-e-Fiza, GAD Square to Karbala, and Kilol Park to VIP Road, the Bhopal Traffic Police said.