At least 38 killed in stampede at actor Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu

At least 38 people died in a stampede that broke out at a rally of popular actor-politician Thalapathy Vijay, president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in Karur district of Tamil Nadu this evening.

Among the deceased are 10 children, 16 women, and 12 men.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said that at least 31 people have died in the incident amidst concern that the toll might go up.

Over 30 people died after collapsing during a rally addressed by #TVK president and actor #Vijay in Karur on Saturday (September 27, 2025) in Tamil Nadu, according to hospital authorities. Follow live updates here: https://t.co/4nx4NCTH9f #stampede pic.twitter.com/z9MRUmpRd6

— The Hindu (@the_hindu) September 27, 2025

He said 29 people were brought dead to hospitals and more than 45 persons were undergoing treatment.

The incident occurred at Velusamypuram on Karur–Erode highway where thousands of people had gathered for the "Let There Be Light" campaign of Vijay's regional outfit TVK.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said people suddenly became ill due to a stampede-like situation at the rally.

The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2025

Many, including party workers and a few children, who fainted at the massive rally were rushed in ambulances.

Several workers noticed the situation and raised an alarm and Vijay threw water bottles from atop a bus from where he was addressing the rally.

Thalapathy Vijay

Ambulances had a tough time moving the heavily-crowded thoroughfare to reach hospitals. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Vijay ended his speech ahead of the scheduled time.

Doctors and forensic experts from other hospitals have been deputed to Karur general hospital, he said.

Eyewitnesses said the trouble began around 7:45 pm local time when large sections of the crowd, eager to catch a glimpse of Vijay, surged towards the barricades around the bus. 

Tamil Nadu police sources said the Karur rally attracted a turnout far beyond initial estimates. Though permission was granted for around 30,000 participants, local reports suggested nearly 60,000 people assembled.

Photo: Courtesy/The Hindu/M Moorthy

Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives at the rally and wished early recovery of the injured.

Murmu posted on her official X: "Anguished to know about the tragic loss of lives in a stampede-like unfortunate incident in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured."

Modi in a post on his X termed the incident at the rally as "deeply saddening."

"My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured," he wrote in a post on his official X.