The stampede at actor Vijay's rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, has left many in shock, with eyewitness accounts painting a grim picture of the events that unfolded. The tragedy, which occurred at a campaign rally for Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), resulted in at least 39 deaths and numerous injuries.
Eyewitnesses recount a chaotic scene with a massive crowd surge, exacerbated by the actor's delayed arrival. According to reports, Vijay was scheduled to arrive in Karur by 11 am but reached the venue several hours later. This delay led to a swelling of the crowds, with some estimates suggesting that nearly 60,000 people had gathered, double the permitted number of 30,000.
Suriya, an eyewitness who spoke to ANI, described the aftermath, stating, "Ambulances couldn't get in. There wasn't enough space for people to stand. It took a very long time to bring people out…". This lack of accessibility for emergency services severely hampered rescue efforts, contributing to the already dire situation. Another eyewitness, Nanda Kumar, said, "We were there ourselves. Nothing could be done to control the crowd".
The overwhelming number of attendees broke past barricades as Vijay appeared on stage, triggering the stampede. Victims included women and children who had traveled from across western Tamil Nadu to see the Tamil cinema icon. Some eyewitnesses stated that people kept chasing the vehicle in which Vijay was traveling.
Ezhil M, who had been waiting at the venue since 3 am, highlighted the lack of basic amenities, "There was no proper organization. We didn't even have access to drinking water". The absence of adequate facilities, coupled with the prolonged wait, likely contributed to the desperation and eventual chaos among the crowd.
As the situation spiraled out of control, Vijay briefly paused his speech when party workers raised the alarm about people fainting. He threw water bottles from his vehicle and announced that a child had gone missing before abruptly ending his address, sensing the gravity of the situation.
Following the tragedy, Vijay expressed his grief on social media, stating, "My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express,". He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to those injured.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced ₹10 lakh ex gratia to the families of those who died and ₹1 lakh for those injured. Prime Minister Modi also acknowledged the incident, calling it "deeply saddening" and offering condolences to the bereaved families.
In the wake of the stampede, a local TVK official has been charged with attempt to murder. The government has formed a one-man commission headed by Justice (retired) Aruna Jagadeesan to inquire into the incident.
