SEVERAL, INCLUDING CHILDREN DEAD IN STAMPEDE AT TN RALLY

Chaos engulfs TVK rally as crowd stampede leaves many dead and injured.

- CORRESPONDENT

Actor-turned-politician Vijay addressing rally

A massive stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has claimed at least 38 lives, including eight children and 17 women, with over 50 others injured.

The disaster occurred on the evening of September 27, 2025, at Velusamypuram, where actor-turned-politician Vijay was scheduled to address a crowd estimated at 30,000. Hospitals across Karur, Dindigul, and Tiruchirappalli have admitted the injured, many in critical condition.

Health Minister Ma Subramanian provided an update: "The deceased include eight children, 17 women, and 13 men. Over 50 injured individuals are undergoing treatment, and we are doing everything to save lives. Trauma teams have been deployed to all hospitals, and additional ambulances are on standby."

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos. "People started pushing and shoving near the main stage when entry was delayed," said Ramesh, a resident of Velusamypuram. "Within minutes, people were falling and being trampled. Children and elderly were the worst affected." Another attendee added, "The crowd suddenly surged forward. It was terrifying; screams filled the air. People tried to help each other, but it was impossible in that crush."