At least 38 people, including children, died in a stampede-like incident during actor-turned-politician Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur on Saturday. Officials at a local hospital confirmed the deaths, adding that several others were admitted with injuries, NDTV reported.
Most of the victims were supporters of Vijay’s political outfit, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). They had reportedly been waiting for over six hours before the actor arrived late at the venue. The overcrowding quickly turned dangerous, leading to chaos as the rally progressed.
The situation forced Vijay to briefly stop his speech after several people fainted due to the pressure of the gathering. Witnesses said panic spread rapidly as ambulances struggled to reach the injured. Vijay appealed for calm, urging his supporters to clear the way for emergency teams.
Local officials, including DMK minister Senthil Balaji and the district collector, rushed to the hospital to take stock of the situation. Water bottles were distributed at the venue, while medical teams treated those who collapsed from exhaustion and suffocation.
The rally, marked by heavy turnout, also saw Vijay indirectly criticise the DMK over unfulfilled promises regarding an airport in Karur, though his speech was cut short by the tragedy.