– Uncontrolled crowds at the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam leader’s event led to a horrific crush, leaving dozens dead and injured. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to visit the tragedy-struck district.
Karur: A political rally headlined by actor and Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay ended in a devastating tragedy on Saturday night, as a massive stampede claimed the lives of 33 people, including six children and sixteen women. The incident has sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu.
The horrific crush occurred after Vijay concluded his speech and was leaving the venue. An uncontrollable crowd had gathered near the actor’s campaign van, and as people began to disperse, a surge led to the stampede. Over 50 people fainted in the melee and were trampled underfoot.
Health Minister Ma. Subramanian confirmed the grim death toll, stating, “As of now, 33 people, which includes 16 women and 6 children, have died in the stampede.” He added that at least 12 others are in critical condition, raising fears that the number of fatalities could rise further.
Scenes of chaos and heartbreak unfolded at the Karur Government Medical College Hospital as a continuous stream of ambulances brought in the injured. Distressing visuals showed medical staff struggling to cope with the sheer number of victims.
Even before the fatal stampede, the event was marked by dangerously large crowds. During Vijay’s speech, a woman fainted and had to be evacuated by ambulance. After the main incident, police resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the remaining crowd and bring the situation under control.
Top officials, including former minister V. Senthil Balaji, are on the ground at the hospital, coordinating relief efforts. In response to the disaster, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has ordered a high-level response and is expected to travel to Karur on Sunday morning to personally assess the situation and meet with the families of the victims.
