At least 38 people, including 16 women and 8 children, lost their lives in a stampede during a political rally held by Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, India, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at approximately 7:45 PM IST.
The tragedy occurred when a massive crowd, estimated at 30,000 people, surged toward the stage as Vijay arrived nearly six hours late.
The rally had been officially permitted for 10,000 attendees, and the overwhelming turnout led to panic.
Many participants were trampled or crushed, while over 40 others sustained injuries, some in critical condition.
Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, and authorities confirmed that several children were among the victims.
Local authorities immediately launched an investigation into the disaster, focusing on crowd management, security measures, and adherence to safety protocols.
Police and disaster management officials noted that the scale of the tragedy was worsened by insufficient barriers and inadequate crowd control personnel.
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Vijay, visibly affected by the incident, expressed his sorrow on social media, saying his heart is “shattered” and conveying his “immense pain and sorrow” over the loss of lives.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also expressed concern, directing authorities to provide urgent medical support to the injured.
A commission led by Justice Aruna Jagadeesan has been established to investigate the stampede and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents at future public gatherings.
The stampede has reignited concerns over public safety at large political events in India, where past rallies have occasionally led to similar disasters due to overcrowding and insufficient security measures.