NEW DELHI, Sept 28: At least 36 people, including women and children, were killed in a deadly crush during a political rally in Tamil Nadu, India, according to state authorities, BBC reported.
The tragedy unfolded on Saturday in the Karur district, where tens of thousands of people had gathered for an event featuring actor-turned-politician Vijay.
The rally reportedly started several hours late, creating massive overcrowding. Local television showed chaotic scenes of people collapsing in the packed crowd. Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirmed that 16 women, nine men and six children were among the dead, while over 50 others were injured, the BBC added.
At least 15 dead in India after stampede at religious festival
Chief Minister MK Stalin said several fainted and were rushed to hospitals. He ordered emergency medical support from nearby districts and announced financial aid of one million rupees (about $11,300) for each bereaved family. Stalin also promised a full investigation, according to the BBC.
Speaking to ANI outside a hospital, a grieving man said he had lost his elder nephew in the crush, while another family member remained missing, and his sister-in-law was in intensive care.
Vijay expressed what BBC described as “deep sorrow,” saying he was “broken” by the tragedy and offered condolences and prayers for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “deeply saddening” on X.
Fatal crowd crushes are frequent in India, with similar disasters reported earlier this year at the Kumbh Mela religious festival and near a cricket stadium, the BBC noted.
