Death toll from crowd crush at Indian rally rises to 38, reports say

The death toll from a crowd crush during a large political event in southern India on Saturday has risen to 38 people, according to media reports.

Among the dead were at least 10 children, the Times of India reported, citing Tamil Nadu state Health Minister Ma. Subramanian.

The death toll was also reported by NDTV and other local media outlets. Dozens more were injured, with NDTV showing images of unconscious people being carried out of the crowd.

Tens of thousands of people had gathered in the city of Karur to hear a speech by the Tamil actor and politician Vijay, who goes by one name.

Reports said the crowd, estimated at 30,000 or more, far exceeded the number expected by the organizers.

Witnesses told the Hindustan Times that chaos erupted in the evening as more and more people pressed toward the stage. Many lost consciousness in the crush. Vijay reportedly interrupted his speech when he became aware of the disorder.

NDTV noted that the politician, from the regional party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), had started his speech more than six hours late. As the event progressed, the crowd continued to swell and eventually became uncontrollable.

“The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X. “My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones.”