At least 36 people have been killed and 40 injured after a stampede broke out at campaign rally in southern , lawmakers said.
Vijay, a popular actor who ventured into politics in recent years, was holding an event for his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party in the city of Karur in Tamil Nadu state.
At least eight of those killed were children, according to local media.
The crush reportedly broke out while a crowd of at least 30,000 people waited to hear the mononymous star give a speech. Indian news outlets said that Vijay was hours late to speak, causing the crowd to become restless. There were also reports that some in the crowd had tried to rush the politician’s bus.
Witnesses reported seeing many people lose consciousness in the chaos.
Vijay, Modi express shock and sadness
“My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement, calling the incident “deeply saddening.”
Vijay was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying: “My heart is shattered…I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur.”
Crowd stampedes are not unheard of in India. In January, 30 people died during a rush to reach a sacred river during the Maha Kumbh festival. In July 2024, 121 people were killed during a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh.
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