Stampede leads to 36 deaths at Vijay’s Karur event

A tragic stampede-like situation occurred at a political rally for actor-politician Vijay (leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam or TVK party) in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Reports indicate that at least 36 people died, including children, and several others were injured due to the massive, uncontrollable crowd that gathered to hear him speak. 

The crowding led to a surge where many fainted and collapsed.

Vijay had to abruptly halt his speech, urging police to help manage the crowd. 

The 70 injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has instructed officials to provide immediate medical assistance.

The Tamil Nadu Health Minister, Ma Subramanian, confirmed that at least 36 people died after collapsing during the event, . The deceased included several children and women. 

The situation was caused by severe overcrowding and a subsequent crowd surge that became uncontrollable as people pressed to see the actor-politician, who was addressing them from a custom-built campaign bus. Many individuals reportedly fainted and fell down due to the crushing pressure and suffocation. 

During the chaos, Vijay had to abruptly halt his speech. Videos and reports show him appealing for calm, urging the police to help manage the crowd, and even throwing water bottles from the bus to help those who had collapsed. At one point, he appealed for assistance for a child who was reported missing.