• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Tamil Nadu Stampede: At least 36 died and many others were injured after a political rally addressed by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu’s Karur ended in a stampede on Saturday night. The event was organised by Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and drew a massive turnout of close to one lakh people.

According to a Hindustan Times report, Witnesses report that the rally, which was expected to be a show of strength, became unmanageable as the crowd swelled beyond control. Children, women and elderly participants were among those who fainted or were trampled in the rush.

ALSO READ: Karur Stampede: 31 Dead, Over 50 Injured At TVK Chief Vijay Thalapathy’s Rally; PM Modi Condoles Death

Tamil Nadu Stampede: What triggered The chaos?

Several factors appear to have contributed to the stampede:

Missing child panic: According to a Hindustan Times report, a nine-year-old girl went missing in the crowd, prompting a sudden surge as thousands rushed in the direction where she was last seen.

Crowd surge near barricades: Around 7.45 PM, large groups of people pressed towards the stage to catch a glimpse of Vijay, leading to crushing pressure at the barricades.

Lack of buffer zones: Eyewitnesses noted that there were no proper safety zones near the stage, which forced the crowd closer and closer to the actor.

Delayed intervention: Police and volunteers struggled to control the flow and ambulances had difficulty reaching the spot due to clogged roads.

Tamil Nadu Stampede News: Immediate Aftermath

Several people fainted during the rush, with children separated from their families. Videos from the rally showed Vijay stopping his speech, distributing water bottles, and appealing for help after noticing people collapse. He was also heard calling out for the missing child.

ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu Weather Update: IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert For THESE Districts Till October 2; Check Forecast For Chennai

Volunteers later formed human chains to clear paths for the injured, while ambulances slowly made their way through the jammed streets. Many of the victims were taken to Karur District Headquarters Hospital, while critically injured patients were shifted to medical colleges in Erode and Tiruchirappalli.

Karur Vijay Rally Stampede: Official confirmation

District officials stated that, 36 deaths had been confirmed by late night, with the toll likely to rise as hospitals continued to update figures. At least 30 people were reported to be under treatment for fractures and breathing difficulties.