The death toll from a stampede at a political rally for actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay's party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in Chennai, the capital of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, has tragically risen to 39. The devastating incident occurred on Saturday, September 27.
Casualties and Injuries
The latest update from the Hindustan Times reports that at least 40 more people were injured in the crush. Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirmed that the deceased include 16 women, 9 men, and 6 children.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
Police sources indicate that the deadly rush began when the enormous crowd surged toward the barricades to get a closer look at Thalapathy Vijay upon his arrival on stage, creating a sudden, suffocating situation. Many people fainted, which then led to the stampede.
Another source suggests that the situation spiralled out of control due to severe overcrowding. Though the rally was estimated to draw 30,000 people, approximately 60,000 individuals reportedly gathered, overwhelming the venue's capacity.
Adding to the chaos, an NDTV report stated that Thalapathy Vijay arrived on stage seven hours later than scheduled. This delay reportedly caused the crowd to swell even more, leading to the devastating accident amid the extreme congestion.
National Leaders Express Grief
Top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, have expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further as rescue and treatment efforts continue.
