At least 39 people, including women and children, tragically lost their lives in a stampede at a mega rally led by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred as tens of thousands of people gathered at the rally venue, overwhelming the space and leading to chaos.
Vijay, who is a popular actor-turned-politician, was forced to abruptly end his speech as attendees began to collapse and require urgent medical attention. Heartbreaking scenes unfolded as people fainted, with Vijay calling out for police assistance and distributing water to those in distress. Ambulances were also arranged to help those feeling suffocated in the overcrowded rally.
According to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, a total of 39 people, including eight children and 16 women, lost their lives in the stampede. More than 60 individuals were hospitalized, with over 40 doctors deployed to the area to provide medical assistance.
The tragic incident occurred despite police permission being granted for only 10,000 attendees at the rally. However, the actual turnout far exceeded expectations, reaching between 30,000 to 35,000 people. Vijay’s delayed arrival at the venue further exacerbated the chaotic situation, leading to a surge in the restless crowd towards the stage and ultimately causing the stampede.
Heartbreaking visuals emerged from hospitals, showing devastated family members waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones. One particularly poignant image captured a father carrying the lifeless body of his child in his arms. The aftermath of the stampede left a deep sense of sorrow and loss in the community as they grappled with the tragic outcome of what was meant to be a political event.
