A devastating stampede occurred at a political rally in India’s Tamil Nadu state, resulting in the deaths of at least 39 people, including nine children.
The incident happened on Saturday when thousands of supporters gathered to see popular actor-turned-politician Vijay, who was campaigning for state elections due next year.
The stampede occurred after a crowd of around 27,000 people waited for hours in scorching heat without sufficient safeguards.
Witnesses cited delays, insufficient police presence, and people falling from a tree branch onto the audience as contributing factors to the tragedy.
Videos on social media showed Vijay tossing water bottles to supporters shortly before the panic broke out.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that 39 people had died, and 51 others were receiving treatment.
The state government has announced a judicial inquiry into the disaster and compensation of one million rupees (approximately $11,300) to the families of the victims.
Vijay expressed his grief, stating, “My heart is shattered at this tragedy.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “unfortunate” and “deeply saddening”.
The incident highlights the recurring issue of lax safety measures at mass gatherings in India.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including a crush at a major religious fair in January that killed 30 people and a Hindu prayer meeting in Uttar Pradesh that killed 121 people last year.
