Tragic Stampede at Vijay’s Rally Claims 38 Lives in Karur

A stampede at a public rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has resulted in the tragic loss of 38 lives and numerous injuries. The incident occurred on March 16, 2024, during a rally led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay. In the wake of this disaster, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the families affected, calling the event a “saddening incident” that has “snatched away precious lives.”

In a post shared on X, CM Yogi stated, “Deeply anguished to hear about the tragic accident in Karur, Tamil Nadu. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May Prabhu Shri Ram give them strength and peace to the departed souls. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Om Shanti!”

Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaotic nature of the gathering, which drew a crowd far exceeding expectations. Nanda Kumar, who was present at the rally, shared that nothing could have been done to control the overwhelming number of attendees. “He (Vijay) had said he would arrive in Karur by 11:00, and everyone was informed about it. But when he came, it was much delayed,” Kumar explained. He highlighted the emotional distress experienced by attendees, many of whom were hungry or accompanied by children.

Kumar emphasized the need for better planning at such events, stating, “Even if proper safety measures were in place, what can anyone do if ten or fifteen times more people show up than expected? This was a serious mistake. Such events should be carefully planned.”

Another eyewitness, Suriya, recounted the difficulties faced during the stampede. “Ambulances couldn’t get in. There wasn’t enough space for people to stand. It took a very long time to bring people out,” he told ANI.

The family of one victim, Zakir, expressed their grief, noting that the late arrival of Vijay, initially scheduled for 09:00, contributed to the chaos. “Near Thirukoilure, especially, there was a huge rush with many youngsters and women. In meetings like this, women and children should not be brought along. Please, it’s very difficult and emotionally painful to witness,” Zakir stated.

As the investigation into the stampede continues, the Tamil Nadu government faces scrutiny regarding the organization and safety protocols of such large-scale events. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.