Karur (Tamil Nadu), September 27: At least 36 people, including children, died in a stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s roadshow in Karur on Saturday evening. More than 50 others are injured, several critically, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred around 7:30 pm, when Vijay reached the venue after a long delay. Thousands had been waiting since afternoon, leading to severe crowding and dehydration. A sudden surge caused panic, triggering the fatal stampede.
Health Minister Ma Subramanian said 29 bodies were brought to Karur Government General Hospital initially. Doctors from neighbouring Tiruchi and Salem districts were rushed in to manage the emergency.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin chaired a late-night meeting at the Secretariat before leaving for Karur. He announced ₹10 lakh compensation for families of the deceased and set up a Commission of Inquiry under Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, a retired Madras High Court judge.
The Karur hospital remained overcrowded with patients and grieving families, while ambulances continued to bring the injured. Officials warned that the death toll could rise further.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences. PM Modi called the incident “deeply saddening” and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
Vijay, founder of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has yet to issue a detailed response. Visuals showed him leaving Trichy airport shortly after the tragedy.
The stampede has raised serious questions over crowd control and safety measures at political events in Tamil Nadu. Opposition leaders have demanded accountability from both state authorities and event organisers.
Authorities have launched a full investigation, with senior police and administrative officials on the ground. Rescue operations continued overnight, as Karur mourns one of its worst tragedies in recent years.