Thirty-eight people, including 10 children and 17 women, were killed in a stampede at actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur.
The crowd swelled and became uncontrollable when Vijay was addressing the gathering, and a number of persons, including party workers and a few children, fainted and fell down.
Hours after the stampede, Vijay condoled the deaths and said that his “heart is shattered”.
“My heart is shattered. I am writhing 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 swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital,” he said in a statement.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held an emergency meeting following the incident. The Chief Minister has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the victims’ families.
