Several dead, including children in stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu

A political rally held by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay in Karur on September 27 took a devastating when a stampede broke out, leaving at least 29 people dead, and over 20 others, including children, unconscious, News18 reported.

The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage and concern over crowd control failures and the handling of the event by local authorities. The rally, which drew thousands of supporters, was being held on a narrow street where crowds had gathered tightly on both sides to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician. As Vijay addressed the gathering from a vehicle, the crowd increased which led to chaos and the deadly stampede.

Eyewitnesses said that they had seen emergency services carry those who were injured away from the crowd. Videos shared on social media show several supporters collapse due to suffocation and overcrowding, while emergency responders rushed to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Many of the victims remain in critical condition, reports said.

Among the deceased were reportedly at least three children, PTI reported.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin (@mkstalin) posts, “The news coming from Karur is worrying. I have instructed former minister @V_Senthilbalaji, Hon’ble Minister @Subramanian_Ma, as well as the District Collector, to ensure that immediate medical treatment is provided to the public who… pic.twitter.com/RVPXxvBec5

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

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep concern and said on X: “The news coming from Karur is worrying. I have instructed former minister V Senthilbalaji, Minister Ma. Subramanian, as well as the district collector, to ensure that immediate medical treatment is provided to the public who fainted and were admitted to hospitals after being caught in the crowd.”

He added that additional support from neighboring Tiruchirappalli district had been mobilised and senior police officials were tasked to bring the situation under control.

Authorities are expected to announce compensation for the victims and initiate a probe into the incident. Meanwhile, public safety experts have called for immediate reforms in the way large political rallies are planned and executed across the state.