A deadly stampede at a rally for popular actor-turned-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district has claimed the lives of at least 36 people, including eight children.
State Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirmed the toll late Saturday, saying the victims were already dead by the time they were brought to the hospital. He added that about 40 others were injured but are now in stable condition.
The rally drew tens of thousands of people, with many trying to get close to Vijay’s bus as he addressed the crowd. Local officials told Indian media that the rush of fans caused several people to fall, triggering the fatal stampede.
“There was indiscipline at the rally,” Subramanian said, noting that a formal investigation into the incident has been ordered.
