39 killed in stampede at Vijay’s rally in Karur, leaders express grief

Karur/Chennai: At least 39 people, including children and women, were killed in a stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s party rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday. State Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirmed that 29 people were brought dead initially, while the toll later rose to 3(. More than 45 others are undergoing treatment in hospitals.

Chief Minister M K Stalin said the victims included eight children and 16 women. He convened a high -level meeting at the Secretariat to review the situation and directed Health Minister Ma Subramanian, Minister Anbil Mahesh, and the District Collector to provide immediate assistance.

The tragedy unfolded while Vijay, founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was addressing a massive crowd from atop his campaign vehicle. Many in the audience, including children, had waited for hours to see him, and several fainted due to suffocation and overcrowding. Vijay stopped his speech midway, appealed for space for ambulances, distributed water bottles from his vehicle, and announced that a child had gone missing. Though he resumed briefly, he ended his speech upon realizing the worsening situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident “deeply saddening,” and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, wishing speedy recovery for the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with Governor R N Ravi and Chief Minister Stalin, assuring all possible central support. The Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government on the causes and rescue measures.

Vijay himself, breaking his silence later on social media, said, “My heart has broken, I am in unbearable, inexplicable pain and grief.” He extended condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the recovery of those under treatment.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also conveyed his condolences, describing the incident as extremely sad. He wrote to Stalin offering support and posted on X that Kerala “stands with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief.”

Officials said ambulances rushed dozens who fainted to nearby hospitals, while rescue and relief operations continued late into the night. The incident has shocked Tamil Nadu, raising serious questions about crowd management at political rallies