Tragically, a 74-year-old man and two other runners fell and died during Mumbai's annual marathon.
Two participants, including a 74-year-old man, met unfortunate fates during an annual marathon in Mumbai, according to a police official. The marathon, held on Sunday, resulted in 22 individuals being hospitalized for reasons such as dehydration and other health issues.
The two individuals who passed away were identified as 40-year-old Kolkata resident Suvradeep Banerjee and 74-year-old Mumbai resident Rajendra Bora. On Marine Drive during the marathon, Bora passed out unexpectedly, and spectators hurried him to Bombay Hospital. Regrettably, upon arriving, medics declared him dead, citing a heart attack as the cause of his demise.
Banerjee, who was taking part in the full marathon from Worli, also collapsed during the event. The police promptly transported him to Nair Hospital, where doctors declared him dead after an examination. The precise cause of Banerjee's death is currently under investigation.
In response to these incidents, the Mumbai Police have registered cases under the ADR (Accidental Death Report) and launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding both collapses at Azad Maidan.
Aside from the tragic fatalities, the marathon saw 22 individuals hospitalized, highlighting the physical challenges and potential health risks associated with such endurance events, especially in adverse conditions.
The Mumbai Police's thorough investigation aims to uncover any contributing factors to the participants' collapses and subsequent deaths. The findings will be crucial for improving safety measures and ensuring the well-being of participants in future marathon events.
It is important to note that marathons, while promoting fitness and determination, also require proper preparation, hydration, and awareness of individual health conditions. The incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and safety during physically demanding activities. Ethiopian runners Hayle Lemi Berhanu and Aberash Minsewo emerged as victors in the men's and women's categories, respectively, underscoring the mix of celebration and tragedy that can unfold during such events.