Chennai/Karur | Thirty-six people died in a stampede at the actor-politician Vijay's rally here on Saturday, state Health Minister Ma Subramanian said.
According to him, 36 persons were brought dead and over 50 are under treatment. Meanwhile, the chief minister convened a meeting of top state officials at the Secretariat to review the situation.
PM Modi, condoling the deaths, said: "The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. 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."
According to officials, at least 30 people fainted while Vijay was actually addressing the rally and were rushed in ambulances to hospitals.
"Information from Karur is worrisome," Chief Minister M K Stalin said after the hospitalisation of several people.
Even as Vijay was addressing the massive gathering from atop his campaign vehicle, he halted his speech mid-way when many workers raised alarm after noticing that people were fainting and falling down.
Many who fainted were waiting for hours together to see Vijay, and it included children.
Vijay himself requested a way for the ambulance and he threw water bottles from atop his campaign vehicle and also announced that a child had gone missing. He also urged police to come forward to help.
While those who fainted were rushed to hospitals, Vijay continued his speech. However, he ended it soon after sensing an abnormal situation at a section of the pretty huge gathering.
The CM said he has instructed Ministers Ma Subramanian, Anbil Mahesh and the District Collector to provide immediate support to the affected people.
New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief at the death of several people during a stampede-like situation in the rally of actor-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu.
Modi said on X, "The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. 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."
Initial reports said at least 10 people, including children, were feared dead amid fear that the eventual toll could be higher.
Chennai | Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday expressed concern over people suddenly taking ill due to a stampede-like situation at a crowded rally of the actor-politician Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in Karur.
Several people were feared dead in the incident.
Many who swooned at the massive rally addressed by Vijay were rushed in ambulances. Vijay himself offered water bottles to those who fainted before resuming his speech.
"The news from Karur is worrying. I have contacted former Minister @V_Senthilbalaji, Health Minister @Subramanian_Ma and the District Collector to provide immediate support to the civilians who fainted due to the crowd and have been admitted to the hospital," the Chief Minister said in a post on the social media platform 'X'.
Also, he instructed School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi from the nearby Tiruchirappalli district to provide necessary assistance to the injured on a war footing.
"I have also spoken to the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order, Davidson Devasirvatham) there to take steps to improve the situation as soon as possible. I request the public to cooperate with the doctors and the police," the Chief Minister said.
New Delhi | Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday spoke with Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and Chief Minister M K Stalin to take stock of the situation following a stampede in Karur and assured them of all possible central assistance to deal with the situation, sources said.
The Union home ministry also sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on the incident, sources said.
At least 29 people have died in the stampede at actor-politician Vijay's rally at Karur.
In its communication to the Tamil Nadu government, the home ministry asked it to provide details about the situation leading to the stampede and what steps have been taken for the rescue and treatment of the victims, sources said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief, while Shah expressed "deep pain" over the loss of lives in the incident.