NEW DELHI (AP) — Stampede at a rally of popular Indian actors and politicians in southern Tamil Nadu has killed at least 36 people and injured 40 people, the state health minister said late on Saturday.
Ma Subramanian told The Associated Press that the victim had died by the time he was taken to hospital, and the injured were stable. The deaths included eight children, Subramanian said.
Officials say the rally, tens of thousands of people attended, was addressed by Vijay, one of Tamil Nadu’s most successful actor-turned-actor politicians in Karuru district.
Indian media reports citing local officials said Vijay spoke to the burgeoning crowd and a group of his supporters and fans collapsed while trying to approach his bus, causing a stampede. Supporters were gathering at political rally in extremely hot temperatures, but Vijay arrived several hours late, officials said.
He added that the rally was “undisciplined” and that an investigation was ordered.
Citing staff, the Indian press news agency reported that at least 30 people had been fainted and rushed to the community hospital by ambulance while Vijay was working on the rally from above the campaign vehicle. He added that after realising that people were fainting and falling, Vijay stopped speaking when workers were on alert and was taken to the hospital, and when Vijay was brought to the hospital.
However, he ended his speech shortly after he felt an unusual situation at some of the huge gatherings, the press said.
Hours after the accident, Vijay expressed his apologies.
“My heart is shattered,” he posted on X.
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi He said that the “unfortunate incident” was “deeply saddened.”
My thoughts lie in a family that has lost a loved one. I hope they are strong during these difficult times. He said on social media.
In southern India states, particularly Tamil Nadu, some film stars are bigger than life conditions rooted in the ancient Tamil culture of heroic worship and image worship. Many have become politicians, some have even been given the status of God.
In 2024, Vijay retired from acting and launched his own political party. It was unclear whether he was planning to run for his Tamil Nadu office.
Stampede It’s relatively common In India, when a large crowd gathers. At least 30 people died in January as tens of thousands of Hindus rushed to bathe in the sacred river. Maha Kumb FestivalThe world’s largest religious gathering.
