SRINAGAR: At least 31 people died and more than 50 were injured after collapsing during a rally addressed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay in Karur on Saturday, hospital authorities confirmed, as per several media reports.
The gathering, part of Vijay’s ongoing State tour, drew unusually large crowds, with spectators reportedly packed tightly into the rally venue. According to eyewitnesses, several attendees began to faint as the event progressed, leading to panic and chaos in parts of the crowd.
Those affected were rushed to Karur Medical College Hospital and nearby private hospitals. Officials at the medical college reported that many of the casualties suffered from severe dehydration, heat exhaustion, and cardiac complications. “We received a large number of patients simultaneously, and despite our best efforts, at least 31 could not be saved,” a hospital spokesperson said, as per The Hindu
Local authorities and emergency services rushed additional ambulances to the scene and have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mass collapse. Preliminary reports suggest overcrowding, lack of adequate ventilation, and insufficient medical preparedness may have contributed to the tragedy.
The Tamil Nadu government has expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Chief Minister MK Stalin tweeted his condolences and announced that a high-level inquiry would be conducted to determine the cause of the deaths. State disaster management and health officials are on the ground coordinating relief and medical support for the injured.
Vijay, who was addressing the rally at the time, was reportedly unharmed. Representatives of TVK stated that the party will cooperate fully with authorities and focus on supporting victims’ families.
This incident marks one of the deadliest accidents during a political rally in Tamil Nadu in recent years, raising urgent questions about crowd management, emergency preparedness, and safety protocols at large public gatherings.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow officials to complete their investigation. Meanwhile, hospitals continue to treat those affected, and counselling services have been deployed to assist families and survivors.
