Rising death toll at southern India political rally for actor Vijay reaches 40 after stampede

Massive Crowd Gathers in Karur for Actor-Politician Vijay’s Rally

The death toll has risen to 40 following a tragic stampede during a political rally for Indian actor and politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar. The rally, held in the district of Karur, Tamil Nadu, attracted tens of thousands of supporters, leading to a chaotic situation. The state’s health minister, Ma Subramanian, confirmed that most victims had succumbed to their injuries by the time they reached the hospital, with four more dying later. Among the dead were nine children.

Efforts to Manage the Crowd Amid Intense Heat

The rally’s attendees faced sweltering heat as they gathered to support Vijay, a beloved figure in Tamil Nadu, where film stars like him often achieve hero status. Vijay, also known by his stage name, launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, after retiring from acting in 2024. Despite measures such as barricades and ropes to manage the overwhelming crowd, the situation spiraled out of control.

Witnesses Describe the Chaos

S. Sabesan, a local resident present at the rally, noted that Vijay was scheduled to speak around noon but arrived over six hours late, causing roads to flood with fans. Sabesan recounted how several people fainted while Vijay addressed the audience, prompting him to pause his speech and call for an ambulance. In a further effort to connect with the crowd, Vijay threw water bottles from his campaign vehicle, inadvertently sparking a rush of supporters and leading to the tragic stampede.

Government and Local Response

In the aftermath of the accident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced financial compensation exceeding $11,000 for each victim’s family. The government has initiated a probe led by a former judge to investigate the event’s mismanagement. Subramanian acknowledged the lack of discipline as a factor contributing to the catastrophe.

Condolences and Reflections on Crowd Safety

Vijay expressed his profound sorrow over the incident on social media, stating, “My heart is shattered. I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sympathy, describing the event as “deeply saddening.”

A History of Stampedes in India

Stampedes remain a common hazard in India, especially during large gatherings. A similar incident in January resulted in over 30 deaths at the Maha Kumbh festival, the world’s largest religious gathering. This recent tragedy underscores the urgent need for effective crowd management strategies to prevent future disasters.