NEW DELHI: At least 39 people, including nine children, have died in a stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, southern India, after tens of thousands gathered to see popular actor-turned-politician Vijay, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The tragedy occurred late Saturday in Karur district when an estimated 27,000 supporters packed into a venue where only 10,000 were expected. Witnesses said the crowd had been waiting for hours in extreme heat without food, water, or adequate crowd control.
State police chief G. Venkataraman told reporters that the rally was scheduled for noon, but Vijay did not arrive until 7:40 p.m., leaving the crowd restless and dehydrated.
Panic reportedly spread when several people who had climbed a tree branch to get a better view fell onto the audience below.
“There was absolutely no space to move. Suddenly I was pushed down by the crowd and fainted,” survivor B. Kanishka told The Hindu. Others blamed poor planning, long delays, and insufficient police presence for the disaster.
Videos circulating online showed Vijay handing out water bottles to parched supporters shortly before the surge.
The 51-year-old actor, who launched his political party in 2024 and is preparing for next year’s state elections, expressed deep sorrow.
My heart is shattered at this tragedy, he said in a statement.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin confirmed the updated toll of 39, announced a judicial inquiry, and promised compensation for victims’ families.
Deadly crushes are a recurring tragedy in India. Just last year, 121 worshippers were killed in a stampede at a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh. In January this year, 30 died during a crush at a major religious fair.
