The stampede occurred after tens of thousands of people gathered at the rally, despite police permission reportedly being granted for only 10,000 people, according to News18.
The participation rate would have reached nearly 30,000 to 35,000 people. Vijay arrived about six hours late, intensifying the crowd’s excitement.
As he began to speak, the surge toward the stage broke the barricades, triggering chaos and causing several attendees to collapse.
Ambulances struggled to reach those who passed out in the crowded space, according to News18.
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Vijay was seen pausing his speech, asking police for help and handing out bottled water from his campaign bus to those who felt suffocated.
PM Modi, President Murmu offer condolences
The tragedy drew condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, who expressed sadness for the families of the victims and prayers for the injured.
“The unfortunate incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones. I wish them strength in this difficult time. Praying for a speedy recovery to all those injured,” PM Modi wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
President Murmu also expressed his anguish, saying: “I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for a speedy recovery of the injured.”
Death and medical response
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed that 39 people, including children and 16 women, had died, with more than 60 hospitalized, according to News18.
More than 40 doctors from Tiruchirapalli and Salem were deployed to handle the emergency.
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Dr Suganthi Rajakumari, director of medical education, told reporters that “two people admitted on September 27 remained in critical condition”, while adequate oxygen and medicines were available at government facilities, according to news agency PTI.
Collector S Saravanan confirmed to PTI that 38 bodies had been identified and 14 had been handed over to their families. Efforts are underway to identify a woman.
Vijay’s first response
In his first statement after the incident, Vijay expressed his sadness, saying, “My heart is broken; I writhe in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. »
“I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment at the hospital,” he added.
As gratis announced, Vijay will give ₹20,000
Calling it an “irreparable loss” in a statement on X on September 28, the actor-politician announced that he would give ₹20 lakh to each family who lost a loved one and ₹2 lakh to the injured people.
என் நெஞ்சில் குடியிருக்கும் அனைவருக்கும் வணக்கம்.
கற்பனைக்கும் எட்டாத வகையில், கரூரில் நேற்று நிகழ்ந்ததை நினைத்து, இதயமும் மனதும் மிகமிகக் கனத்துப் போயிருக்கும் சூழல். நம் உறவுகளை இழந்து தவிக்கும் பெருந்துயர்மிகு மனநிலையில், என் மனம் படுகிற வேதனையை எப்படிச் சொல்வதென்றே…
-TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) September 28, 2025
Earlier, CM Stalin had announced that the government would grant ex gratia ₹10 lakh each for the deceased victims, and ₹1 lakh will be given to the injured.
Prime Minister Modi announced compensation for ₹2 lakh to the family of each victim and ₹50,000 to the injured victims.
