Tamil Nadu, Sept 28 (V7N) – A tragic stampede occurred on Saturday at a public rally led by popular actor and Tamil Ga Vaetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay Thalapathy in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least 38 people, including three children, while 46 others sustained injuries. The injuries range from serious to moderate, and several victims remain hospitalized.
 
According to police sources cited by NDTV, the stampede began when a large crowd surged forward in anticipation of Vijay Thalapathy’s speech. Many people fell unconscious in the crush, triggering panic that escalated into a fatal stampede. Eyewitnesses described chaos as people pushed and struggled to reach the stage area.
 
A senior police officer estimated that around 30,000 people had gathered at the rally site, far exceeding the area’s safe capacity. Vijay Thalapathy’s arrival was delayed by over six hours, which reportedly contributed to the loss of crowd control. Authorities confirmed that the victims included men, women, and children.
 
Emergency response teams, including local police, fire services, and medical personnel, rushed to the scene to provide aid. Injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals in Karur and surrounding districts. Police have launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the incident and identify any lapses in safety measures.
 
State authorities expressed condolences to the families of the victims and announced that support would be provided to the bereaved families, including financial assistance and medical aid for the injured. Crowd management and safety protocols at large public gatherings are expected to be reviewed in the wake of the tragedy.
 
END/WD/SMA/