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

At least 36 people were killed and more than 40 others were injured after a stampede occurred during a political rally held by an actor.

According to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters and The New York Times, Ma Subramanian, the health minister of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, confirmed that the victims had died by the time they arrived at a local hospital.

The dead included eight children, and Subramanian said the overall death toll was likely to rise. Forty-five people were admitted to local hospitals, the state’s chief minister, M.K. Stalin, added.

The rally was being hosted by Vijay (born Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar), one of Tamil Nadu’s most successful actors. Vijay, 51, formed a new political party in 2024 called Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, after releasing his penultimate film, The Greatest of All Time, that same year.

Vijay had been speaking on a makeshift stage on top of a bus when the stampede began, per the Times. The AP reported that as the actor was speaking, supporters and fans fell while trying to get closer to the bus, causing a stampede. Tens of thousands of people were reportedly in attendance at the political rally.

Tamil Nadu was experiencing temperatures above 90 degrees at the time of the incident, and Vijay arrived hours late to the event. Reuters reported that the actor could be seen tossing water bottles into the crowd.

The Press Trust of India news agency reported that at least 30 people fainted while Vijay was speaking, per Reuters.

Videos of the event showed the actor asking the crowd to make room for the ambulances. The event officially ended after the stampede broke out.

“My heart is broken; I am in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow,” Vijay wrote in a statement on social media, per the outlet.

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“I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur,” added the actor, who has yet to announce a formal bid for public office. “I pray for a speedy recovery for those who are undergoing treatment in the hospital.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commented on the “unfortunate incident,” writing on social media that it was “deeply saddening,” per the AP.

“My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured,” he wrote.

Subramanian told local media outlets that an investigation would be launched into the stampede.

“Tamil Nadu has appointed a commission headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the incident and submit a report to the government, after which further action will be taken,” Chief Stalin added, per Reuters.