What was meant to be a day of political excitement in Karur, Tamil Nadu, turned into a scene of profound tragedy on Saturday eveningA massive rally for actor-turned-politician Vijay's new party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), ended in chaos after a sudden crowd surge led to a devastating stampede-like situation, claiming the lives of at least 31 people, including women and children.Thousands of enthusiastic supporters had gathered at Velusamypuram on the Karur-Erode highway, many waiting for over six hours just to catch a glimpse of the popular actor.Reports suggest that the crowd swelled far beyond initial estimates; while permissions may have been granted for around 30,000 people, the actual turnout was possibly closer to 60,000, creating an incredibly dense and unmanageable environmentThe situation took a horrific turn at around 7:45 p.m. as large parts of the crowd began pushing towards the stage barricadesIn the crush that followed, many people fainted from the suffocating pressure and were trampled underfoot. Panic quickly spread as children were separated from their families in the turmoil.From the stage, Vijay was forced to halt his speech as the disaster unfolded before him. Live visuals showed the actor looking distressed, attempting to help by tossing water bottles to those who were fainting and pleading with police to assist the crowd He also paused to help locate a child reported missing in the chaosEmergency services faced immense difficulties reaching the injured, as ambulances struggled to navigate the densely packed streets.In a desperate effort to help, volunteers and other attendees formed human chains to try and clear a path for medical aidThe aftermath has been one of shock and mourning. The district administration has described the event as a "stampede-like crush" and has ordered a formal inquiry into the incident. Political leaders across the country have expressed their griefPrime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident "deeply saddening" and offered his thoughts to the families who lost loved ones.Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called the news "worrying" and immediately directed senior officials and ministers to rush to Karur to oversee medical and relief operations.Dozens of injured people are currently being treated in hospitals in Karur and nearby cities.
Around the web
