Tragic Aftermath: 39 Dead in Stampede at Actor Vijay's Political Rally in Karur

A devastating toll of 39 fatalities, including 17 women and nine children, has been confirmed by government officials following the tragic incident.

Karur (Tamil Nadu):

The morning after the catastrophic event revealed a chaotic scene: piles of abandoned footwear, crushed water bottles, torn party banners, clothing fragments, broken poles, confetti remnants, and substantial debris scattered across the location.

Early risers and locals venturing out for essentials were confronted with the aftermath along the main road where TVK leader Vijay had addressed a massive gathering. Many struggled to comprehend the scale of the tragedy that had unfolded the previous evening.

Numerous individuals who had retired early or missed news updates were deeply shocked to learn about the 39 deaths and numerous injuries resulting from the stampede.

While videographers documented the incident site—now secured with police barricade tape and closed to public access—groups of elderly citizens approached photojournalists with disbelief, seeking confirmation about what had transpired.

A TVK flag continues to wave atop a tall pole at the location, surrounded by abandoned audio equipment, lighting systems, and torn promotional materials. Party workers and officials have refrained from commenting on the planning failures that led to the disaster.

One young survivor who managed to escape the crush described how many attendees were pushed toward a depressed drainage area near the roadside as crowds simultaneously attempted to exit the venue.

He lamented that what began as a celebration to honor their beloved film icon culminated in tragedy.

"As enthusiastic fans chanted Vijay's name, many failed to realize a stampede was occurring and people were falling. Those who accidentally stepped on fallen individuals subsequently lost balance and fell themselves," he explained to reporters.

Various attendees offered differing accounts regarding the stampede's cause. The actual trigger remains unclear—whether inappropriate venue selection or excessive crowding, an issue that has characterized events since Vijay launched his statewide tour on September 13.

Eyewitnesses described how attendees pushed through metal barricades and makeshift enclosures, while others who climbed onto nearby thatched structures fell and sustained injuries. Simultaneously, police conducted a baton charge to manage the situation. However, those caught in the surging crowd, including children who had fallen, struggled to understand the unfolding chaos.

A septuagenarian resident stated he had never witnessed such a high casualty count at a political gathering and criticized young attendees for their desperate attempts to glimpse the actor.

Medical personnel at Karur Government Hospital were overwhelmed by continuous ambulance arrivals transporting injured victims, with police officers assisting by carrying patients to treatment areas.

Families who lost children remained inconsolable, unable to accept the sudden loss of their loved ones. Heart-wrenching scenes of young adults cradling their motionless children deeply affected all witnesses.

Government reports confirm 39 fatalities, comprising 13 men, 17 women, and nine children.

Throughout the night, family members' grief-stricken wails echoed from the mortuary, audible even from the facility's entrance.

Additionally, police conducted another baton charge approximately an hour after the stampede to disperse remaining crowds from the venue.

Following the disaster, Vijay departed without addressing reporters waiting at Tiruchirappalli and Chennai airports.

"My heart has broken, I am experiencing unbearable, indescribable pain and grief," he stated in a social media post.

The actor expressed prayers for the swift recovery of hospitalized victims.

He extended condolences to the families of "my dear brothers and sisters who perished in Karur." Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin promptly traveled from Chennai to Karur, where he consulted with medical staff regarding treatment protocols, comforted victims, and assured optimal care provision.

The Chief Minister arrived in Karur past midnight. Authorities established helpline numbers (04324 256306 and WhatsApp 7010806322) for the Karur district collector's office assistance desk.