Stampede at a political rally for widespread actor Vijay in southern India kills 36, injures 40 : NPR

NEW DELHI — A stampede at a rally for a well-liked Indian actor and politician within the southern state of Tamil Nadu killed not less than 36 folks and injured 40 others, the state’s well being minister stated late Saturday.

Ma Subramanian informed The Related Press that the victims have been useless by the point they have been taken to a hospital and that the injured have been steady. The useless included eight kids, Subramanian stated.

The rally, which officers say was attended by tens of hundreds of individuals, was being addressed by Vijay, considered one of Tamil Nadu’s most profitable actors-turned-politician within the district of Karur.

Indian media experiences, quoting native officers, stated as Vijay spoke to the surging crowd, a bunch of his supporters and followers fell whereas attempting to get near his bus, inflicting the stampede. Supporters had gathered on the political rally amid intensely sizzling temperatures and Vijay arrived hours late, officers stated.

“There was indiscipline” on the rally, Subramanian stated, including that an investigation had been ordered.

Quoting officers, the Press Belief of India information company reported that not less than 30 folks fainted whereas Vijay was addressing the rally from atop his marketing campaign automobile and have been rushed in ambulances to space hospitals. He halted his speech mid-way when employees raised alarm after noticing that folks have been fainting and falling, it stated, including that as they have been eliminated to hospitals, Vijay continued his speech.

Nonetheless, he ended his speech shortly after sensing an irregular scenario in a piece of the large gathering, the information company stated.

Hours after the accident, Vijay supplied his condolences.

“My coronary heart is shattered,” he posted on X. “I’m writhing in insufferable, indescribable ache and sorrow that phrases can’t categorical.”

Relations of people that have been killed in a stampede throughout a rally for a well-liked Indian actor and politician, mourn as they take the our bodies from a hospital, in Karur, within the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.

Uncredited/AP

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated the “unlucky incident” was “deeply saddening.”

My ideas are with the households who’ve misplaced their family members. Wishing power to them on this troublesome time. Praying for a swift restoration to all these injured,” he stated on social media.

In southern Indian states, notably Tamil Nadu, some movie stars have bigger than life standing, rooted within the historical Tamil tradition of hero worship and picture worship. Many have change into politicians and a few have even been given divine standing.

In 2024, Vijay retired from performing and launched his personal political get together. It was unclear whether or not he plans to run for workplace in Tamil Nadu state.

Stampedes are comparatively widespread in India when massive crowds collect. In January, not less than 30 folks have been killed as tens of hundreds of Hindus rushed to wash in a sacred river throughout the Maha Kumbh pageant, the world’s largest spiritual gathering.