Source: aajtak
The mega rally held by actor Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, witnessed a massive gathering. As night fell, the throng grew and panic ensued, forcing people to rush through the streets seeking safe havens. This unfortunate chaos claimed 39 lives as swings, flags, and party posters laid scattered in disarray.
Source: aajtak
Shoes and sandals were scattered all over, with broken poles and an array of paper littering the scene. Confetti papers and shards of water bottles were everywhere. Morning walkers were left in shock, seeing such devastation. Local elders remarked they had rarely witnessed such a tragic outcome in a political rally.
Source: aajtak
Initially, the event was festive, an atmosphere of celebration. However, once Vijay took to the stage, control slipped away as crowds pushed towards lower sewers and huts along roadside, many falling and sustaining injuries. Children and elders were among those crushed in the melee.
Source: aajtak
Witnesses recounted how the stampede sparked when overzealous crowd members sought to approach closer. Efforts to remove tin sheets and barriers led to people toppling over, confusion reigned. Cries for help reverberated, but the congestion on narrow lanes only exacerbated the situation.
Source: aajtak
By morning, the rally site remained a picture of disarray, with scattered footwear, toppled poles, tattered flags and posters, and debris scattered around. This sight laid bare the rally aftermath's horror. Families of the deceased and injured rushed to Karur Government Hospital in despair. Medical and police staff operated tirelessly to aid the injured.
Source: aajtak
Outside the hospital, relatives wailed in anguish. Among the dead were 12 men, 16 women, and 10 children, while treatment continues for injured others. Hospital staff and police were in a frantic effort aiding the injured as families remained stunned by the dreadful incident. Grieving mothers and fathers mourned their lost children whose images and videos went viral, casting a shroud of mourning across the state.
Source: aajtak
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin arrived in Karur at night to comfort the wounded and consulted with healthcare providers, reassuring families of state support for treatment and any necessary aid. The administration has issued a district helpline to assist those affected in Karur.
Source: aajtak
The unfortunate events at Karur rally have transformed a festive gathering into mourning. Efforts from authorities to manage the situation were prompt, while Vijay and the state government expressed condolences and pledged care for the injured. This incident raises significant concerns about safety and crowd control at political events.
Source: aajtak
A young survivor recounted his escape from the stampede, noting that many tried to exit simultaneously leading to several being pushed into sewer recesses and sustaining injuries. The frenzy to catch a glimpse of Vijay continued to draw crowds, unaware of the impending chaos that saw many crushed beneath trampling feet. Following the rally, Vijay took to social media, expressing sorrow. He conveyed heartbreak and an unbearable pain, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and mourning dearly beloved who perished in Karur.
