At Least 36 People Killed, Including 8 Children, in Stampede at Actor’s Political Rally

At slightest 36 group were killed and much than 40 others were injured aft a stampede occurred during a governmental rally held by an actor.

According to reports from nan Associated Press, Reuters and The New York Times, Ma Subramanian, nan wellness curate of nan confederate Indian authorities of Tamil Nadu, confirmed that nan victims had died by nan clip they arrived astatine a section hospital.

The dormant included 8 children, and Subramanian said nan wide decease toll was apt to rise. Forty-five group were admitted to section hospitals, nan state's main minister, M.K. Stalin, added.

The rally was being hosted by Vijay (born Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar), 1 of Tamil Nadu's astir successful actors. Vijay, 51, formed a caller governmental statement successful 2024 called Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, aft releasing his penultimate film, The Greatest of All Time, that aforesaid year.

Vijay had been speaking connected a makeshift shape connected apical of a autobus erstwhile nan stampede began, per nan Times. The AP reported that arsenic nan character was speaking, supporters and fans fell while trying to get person to nan bus, causing a stampede. Tens of thousands of group were reportedly successful attendance astatine nan governmental rally.

Tamil Nadu was experiencing temperatures supra 90 degrees astatine nan clip of nan incident, and Vijay arrived hours precocious to nan event. Reuters reported that nan character could beryllium seen tossing h2o bottles into nan crowd.

The Press Trust of India news agency reported that astatine slightest 30 group fainted while Vijay was speaking, per Reuters.

Videos of nan arena showed nan character asking nan crowd to make room for nan ambulances. The arena officially ended aft nan stampede collapsed out.

"My bosom is broken; I americium successful unbearable, indescribable symptom and sorrow," Vijay wrote successful a connection connected societal media, per nan outlet.

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"I definitive my deepest sympathies and condolences to nan families of my beloved brothers and sisters who mislaid their lives successful Karur," added nan actor, who has yet to denote a general bid for nationalist office. "I believe for a speedy betterment for those who are undergoing curen successful nan hospital."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commented connected nan “unfortunate incident,” penning connected societal media that it was “deeply saddening," per nan AP.

"My thoughts are pinch nan families who person mislaid their loved ones. Wishing spot to them successful this difficult time. Praying for a swift betterment to each those injured," he wrote.

Subramanian told section media outlets that an investigation would beryllium launched into nan stampede.

"Tamil Nadu has appointed a committee headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to analyse nan incident and taxable a study to nan government, aft which further action will beryllium taken," Chief Stalin added, per Reuters.