Death Toll Rises to 39 in Thalapathi Vijay’s Political Rally Stampede

In Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu in southern India, the number of fatalities in a stampede at a political rally organised by actor-politician Thalapathi Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), has risen to 39.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, 27 September. According to the Hindustan Times, 39 people have died and approximately 40 others were injured in the stampede.

The state Health Minister, Ma Subramanian, confirmed the breakdown of the fatalities:

A police source reported that when Thalapathi Vijay approached the stage, people moved closer to get a better view. In the ensuing chaotic and suffocating conditions, many lost consciousness, triggering the stampede.

Another police source told Hindustan Times that the rally was expected to attract around 30,000 people, but nearly 60,000 attendees turned up, adding extra pressure and crowd density.

The incident has drawn condolences from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, among others.

Authorities fear that the death toll could rise further.

According to NDTV, Thalapathi Vijay arrived at the rally seven hours later than scheduled, which contributed to the growing crowd density. As people continued to gather in anticipation, overcrowding led to the tragic stampede.

Emergency services are attending to the injured, while investigations are ongoing to determine the precise circumstances and safety lapses that led to the stampede.

Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV