Vijay’s TVK rally stampede: TN ADGP says organisers did not listen to suggestions for rally, people fainted due to heatstroke

Eyewitness Nanda Kumar described the stampede as a tragic event. He said the crowd could not be controlled and that the delay in actor Vijay’s arrival contributed to the chaos. Many people had come with children, were hungry, or faced other difficulties, all hoping to see the star. He emphasized that such incidents must be prevented in the future, noting that even with safety measures, it is hard to manage when far more people show up than expected. He urged that events like this be carefully planned and hoped the Tamil Nadu government provides proper support to those affected.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed sorrow over the lives lost at TVK chief and actor Vijay’s rally which turned into a stampede on Saturday. ” The reports of lives lost due to being trapped on a crowd in Karur are causing immense sorrow. I convey my deepest condolences and comfort to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident,” he wrote on X.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has arrived at Trichy airport. Once he arrives in Karur, he will be going to meet the survivors and the families of victims who were killed in the TVK rally stampede

According to India Express, 38 people have died, including 16 women and six children, while more than 100 others are admitted to hospitals in Karur and Trichy, with many in critical condition. Dr. D. Sundaresan, a professor at Karur Medical College told IE that 48 patients, out of which 23 being men and 25 being women, are currently receiving treatment there.

Amid the tragic events, Minister Anbil Mahesh was seen crying at the hospital. The visuals of him breaking down have been doing the rounds of social media. It is evident that the heartbreaking situation has affected everyone deeply, including former Minister Senthil Balaji, who is helping with relief efforts alongside him. Both were clearly moved by the sorrow around them.

See more

"முப்போதோட நிக்கணும்"

கரூரில் விஜய் கூட்டத்தில் சிக்கி இறந்த குழந்தைகளை பார்த்து கதறி அழுத அமைச்சர் மாண்புமிகு @Anbil_Mahesh அவர்களை தேற்றிய திமுக மாவட்ட செயலாளர் @V_Senthilbalaji அவர்கள். #karurstampede pic.twitter.com/FFbXce6V5M

— வரவணை செந்தில் (@Varavanaisen) September 27, 2025

One of the eyewitnesses who was also present at TVK chief and actor Vijay’s public rally in Karur said that there was no space for the people present to even stand properly. “Ambulances couldn’t get in. There wasn’t enough space for people to stand. It took a very long time to bring people out,” the eyewitness said.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed shock over the Karur stampede that claimed the lives of more than 30 people, including children. She said the incident occurred during a political gathering and that over 50 people have been injured and are receiving medical care. She offered her deepest condolences to the families of those who died and prayed for a full and speedy recovery for the injured. (The text has been roughly translated from Sitharaman’s X post)

See more

இன்று கரூரில் 30க்கும் மேற்பட்டோர் உயிரிழந்ததாக வரும் செய்தி மிகவும் அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது. குழந்தைகளும் உயிரிழந்தாக தெரிவிக்கபடுகிறது.
ஒரு அரசியல் கூட்டத்தில் ஏற்பட்ட நெரிசலில் சிக்கியதால் இந்த உயிரிழப்பும், மேலும் 50 மேலானோர் காயமடைந்த நிலையில் மருத்துவநிலையங்களில் உள்ளனர்…

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 27, 2025

Tami Nadu CM MK Stalin has left Chennai for Karur. The stampede at TVK chief and actor Vijay’s public rally in Karur has left at least 36 people dead, including 6 children, according to PTI. Stay with us to get further updates on the situation.

Families of the victims of TVK rally stampede have gathered and arrived at the government hospital. Here are the visuals coming in from Karur right now:

See more

VIDEO | Family members of those who lost their lives in the stampede that took place during TVK chief Vijay's rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/EuBlc3CAWg

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 27, 2025

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed sorrow on Saturday over the stampede at TVK chief and actor Vijay’s public rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, which killed at least 38 people. In a post on X, he said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede that occurred in Karur, Tamil Nadu. Heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy and complete recovery to all those injured. Kerala stands with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief.”

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin will be reaching Karur shortly to take stalk of the situation. An hour ago he shared the helpline numbers via his X account. “To get information about those affected by the unexpected accident in Karur, contact the Karur District Collector’s Office emergency help center numbers: #dot 04324 256306 #watsapp 7010806322,” he wrote on X.

The survivors of the stampede victims spoke to the media and shared their ordeal. One of the survivors said that his brother’s elder son died and they have no information about the younger son as of now. He visibly appeared shattered and said, “My brother’s wife is admitted to the ICU now. I don’t know what to do. My son’s eye is injured.”

The Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh described the Karur stampede during actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay’s campaign as an “unfortunate” incident. He also urged the Tamil Nadu government to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care.

“It is heart-wrenching to know that six children are among the deceased. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I humbly request the Tamil Nadu government to provide the best medical treatment to the injured,” the Deputy CMO said.

All the people who were injured in the rally have been taken to a government hospital in Karur where they are being treated. Here are a few visuals that have come in:

See more

#watch | Karur, Tamil Nadu: Visuals from the Government Medical College and Hospital in Karur, where the injured have been brought after a stampede during a public event of TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) chief and actor Vijay.

As per Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, 36 people lost their… pic.twitter.com/iDLd4Ht8Dl

— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2025

Union Minister L Murugan while speaking to the media said that the reports of the Karur stampede are “deeply worrying”. He added that it is important to support the affected families. Murugan mentioned that he has spoken with the District Collector and directed BJP leaders to provide all possible assistance.

At least 36 people were killed and dozens more seriously injured after a stampede-like situation erupted at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s rally in Karur on late Saturday evening. Witnesses said several people fainted in the densely packed crowd, triggering panic, while ambulances struggled to wade through the sea of supporters.

In his first reaction to the incident, Vijay expressed his deep condolences over the loss of lives. “My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur,” he said on X.

What happened: The Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader was addressing thousands from atop his campaign vehicle when party workers raised alarm about the worsening situation. Many attendees had been reportedly waiting since noon and the crowd swelled further upon Vijay’s arrival. Midway through his speech, reports of people fainting, a missing child and cries for help forced Vijay to appeal to the police to help. He also threw water bottles into the crowd and urged people to clear paths for ambulances.

Tamil Nadu govt on stampede: Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that he will visit Karur tonight to meet victims’ families. The state government has sanctioned Rs 10 lakh compensation for the kin of each deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those undergoing intensive treatment.

TVK chief Vijay expressed his deep condolences over the loss of lives in the stampede during his rally in Karur. “My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital,” he posted on X.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the deaths in the stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK rally in Karur. “Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede in Tamil Nadu’s Karur. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I wish a speedy recovery for the injured. Kerala stands with the people of Tamil Nadu in this hour of grief,” Vijayan said on X. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan also expressed shock over the incident and offered his condolences to the victims’ families.

Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed that he will visit Karur tonight to meet the families of the victims. He also announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Aid of Rs 1 lakh each will be given to those undergoing intensive medical treatment in hospitals, the CM said.

“On receiving the heartbreaking news that 36 people, including 8 children and 16 women, lost their lives in the crowd crush…I was deeply shocked and pained. I have directed that all those admitted to hospitals for treatment must receive the best possible medical care,” Stalin said in a statement.

“Furthermore, to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a report to the government, a one-member Commission of Inquiry under retired High Court Judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan will be immediately constituted,” he further added.

Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives in the stampede during TVK chief and actor Vijay’s public rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur.

In a post on X, Shah wrote, “Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in a stampede in Karur, Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength to bear this grief and for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

-via ANI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted a condolence message on X after over 30 people were killed in an stampede during Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu. “Deeply saddened by the tragic incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, that has taken so many precious lives. My heart goes out to their loved ones, and I wish a swift recovery to all those injured. I urge Congress workers and leaders to extend every possible support to the victims and their families, and to work closely with the authorities in relief and rescue efforts,” Rahul Gandhi said.

A video posted by news agency ANI shows Vijay leaving the city from Trichy airport.

Several reports suggest CM MK Stalin might leave for Karur tonight instead of earlier plan of tomorrow. The death toll in the rally stampede has reached 35 so far and is expected to swell further. A crowd of reportedly 50,000 people had gathered for the rally.

According to the Indian Express, six kids are among the 35 dead at Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur earlier today. The death toll from the stampede is expected to rise.

According to a report by The News Minute, Tamil Nadu police will be filing an FIR against Vijay for the deaths of 31 at his rally in Karur. The death toll in the stampede is expected to rise further.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge posted condolences after the news of over 30 dead in Tamil Nadu broke.

A video posted by PTI shows actor Vijay stopping his speech mid-way to offer water to someone in the crowd.

Chaos erupted in the rally, which started around 7.20 pm, when a sudden power outage plunged the venue into darkness. According to eyewitnesses quoted by IANS, panic spread rapidly as thousands of attendees surged forward, triggering a deadly crush. Emergency services and senior state officials rushed to the spot, with several of the injured reported to be in critical condition.

Moments before the incident, TVK chief Vijay had been addressing local concerns, including illegal sand mining, mineral theft and other civic issues affecting Karur residents.

“Till now, 31 people have died in the stampede and 58 people have been admitted. After the stampede incident, the CM immediately enquired and ordered the district collector, SP, and me to rush to the hospital, advising us to call extra doctors and provide proper treatment,” said ex-Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji.