What was supposed to be a glorious moment in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu became a tragedy on Saturday, after a stampede during a campaign rally of actor-turned-politician Vijay left dozens dead.
At least 39 people, including children, died in the late Saturday crowd crush in Karur Municipality, while around 90 others were wounded, according to local media.
The casualties were part of the tens of thousands of people who gathered to witness Tamil cinema superstar Vijay deliver a political speech, under the banner of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, which the actor launched in February 2024.
Speaking with the media on Sunday, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Senthil Kumar said the dead include nine young boys and girls, 17 women and 13 men.
Local authorities believe the death toll could rise in the coming hours, as injured individuals fill area hospitals.
Meanwhile, the state’s Chief Minister M.K Stalin said he has ordered an inquiry into the incident, to be led by a High Court judge.
What the witnesses saw
According to a report by The Indian Express, Vijay arrived late in Karur on Saturday after attending another campaign rally in Namakkal District – also within the Tamil Nadu state.
Citing a person associated with the actor’s outstation campaigns, the newspaper said some members of the crowd from Namakkal chased the leaving TVK party convoy to Karur, and blended with the already overwhelming number of people at the latter venue.
“There were strict instructions not to follow his (Vijay’s) vehicle from one place to another, as Karur already had an overwhelming crowd,” the source was quoted as saying.
“When the huge crowd following his vehicle also joined the Karur crowd, it went beyond all control,” the person added, attributing the situation to an “absolute lack of management.”
Multiple witnesses said the stampede occurred approximately 10 minutes after Vijay began his speech in Karur at 7pm on Saturday.
The situation further worsened when a dozen people sitting on a tree branch collapsed on the crowd below them.
A police officer responding to the scene said “it was one of the reasons that made it this deadly.”
In some videos uploaded on social media, people were seen screaming for help as they climbed on top of one another to breathe during the crush.
The chaos reportedly prompted Vijay to end his speech ahead of time and leave Karur, as a pile of unconscious TVK supporters began to mount, with a panicking large crowd further hampering the rescue efforts.
Condolences from Vijay, Modi
Hours after the fatal chaos, Vijay took to social media to offer his condolences to the families of the victims, saying his heart “is shattered” over the tragic turn of events.
“I am in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow,” the actor wrote on X.
“I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur.”
“I pray for a speedy recovery for those who are undergoing treatment in the hospital,” he lamented.
The star has pledged INR2 million (US$22,500) worth of compensation for each victim’s family, and INR200,000 (US$2,200) for those injured.
Earlier, the state government of Tamil Nadu also announced a compensation of INR1million (US$11,200) for the dead, and INR100,000 (US$1,120) for the injured, said a report by NDTV media.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said INR200,000 (US$2,255) assistance will be provided through his office’s National Relief Fund “for the next of kin of each victim of the tragedy,” while the injured would be given INR50,000 (US$560) each, according to the same source.
On Saturday, Modi publicly expressed his sympathy with the victims of the deadly crush.
“My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured,” he said on social media.
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