At least 36 people, including children, have died in a crush at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, India, state officials reported. The incident occurred on Saturday during a campaign event for actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur district, which had been delayed for several hours. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of individuals fainting in the dense crowd.

Politician Senthil Balaji confirmed the fatalities, which included 16 women, nine men, and six children, and reported over 50 injuries. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister MK Stalin stated that additional medical support has been requested from nearby districts for those affected.

Stalin also announced that families of the deceased would receive compensation of one million rupees (approximately $11,300) and that an inquiry into the incident would be conducted. A family member seeking information outside a local hospital expressed despair over the fates of his relatives involved in the event.

In response, Vijay expressed his heartbreak and offered condolences to the victims’ families, while India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the situation as “unfortunate” and “deeply saddening.” Deadly crowd crushes have occurred frequently in India, with several tragic incidents noted this year at events such as the Kumbh Mela festival and outside cricket stadiums.



Read full article at www.bbc.com