New Delhi: At least 39 people, including women and children, died in a stampede that broke out during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay's rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur on Saturday. Following the tragedy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced immediate relief measures and ordered a formal inquiry into the incident. In a statement released on Saturday, CM Stalin declared that the state government would provide a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the family of each individual who lost their life in the stampede. Apart from this, those who sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospitals will be given Rs 1 lakh each. Tamil Nadu Stampede: Vijay’s late arrival led to crowd surge, claims TN DGP; Know what happened Families mourn for loved ones Grief-stricken families gathered outside the government hospital in Karur on Saturday, mourning the loss of their loved ones whose bodies were brought there after the stampede. The tragedy took at least 39 lives, including 17 women and 9 children. More than 80 others were injured during the rally and are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Karur and nearby Trichy. [caption id="attachment_159924" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Over 80 people injured in the stampede.[/caption] Moment of deep sorrow for Tamil Nadu: CM Stalin Speaking about the tragedy, CM Stalin expressed his condolences and assured that the state government would extend all possible help to the grieving families. “This is a moment of deep sorrow for Tamil Nadu. We stand with the families who have lost their loved ones, and we will ensure they receive both financial and emotional support,” he said. Political leaders and civil society groups across the state have extended their condolences and called for stricter crowd management measures for public events. As per the experts proper planning, barricading, and timely communication could prevent such incidents in the future. இரவு முழுவதும் உயிரிழந்தவர்களின் குடும்பத்தினர் சிந்திய கண்ணீரும், அவர்களது துக்கம் நிறைந்த அழுகுரல் ஏற்படுத்திய வலியும் என் நெஞ்சத்திலிருந்து அகலவில்லை… #KarurTragedy pic.twitter.com/Z9K2TZs7NW — M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) September 28, 2025 Two patients critical Suganthy Rajakumari, Director of Medical Education (DME) and Research informed that the death toll has rised to 39 with the condition of two patients is critical. "Total number of dead bodies we received is 39. The patient number was 52. Only 2 patients are critical and on a ventilator... Before noon, we will finish all postmortems and hand over the bodies to the family members. Accommodation, food and other things have been arranged by the government", DME said. Tamil Nadu Stampede: ‘Such a tragedy should never happen’, says CM Stalin; Full story As the state mourns the loss of innocent lives, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks of overcrowding and the urgent need for better safety protocols during mass gatherings.
