Not less than 36 individuals have died, together with youngsters, in a crush at a political rally within the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, state officers say.
Tens of hundreds of individuals had gathered on Saturday at a marketing campaign occasion for actor-turned-politician Vijay, within the southern Karur district.
It was delayed by a number of hours, native media reported. Pictures broadcast on tv confirmed individuals fainting within the packed crowds.
Politician Senthil Balaji spoke to reporters exterior a neighborhood hospital to substantiate the deaths, and added that greater than 50 different individuals had been injured.
The loss of life toll consists of at the very least 16 girls, 9 males and 6 youngsters, state well being minister Ma Subramanian informed native media.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin mentioned some individuals had been taken to hospital after fainting within the crush. Additional help has been requested from medical doctors working in close by districts, he added.
Compensation of 1 million rupees ($11,300; £8,400) shall be supplied to the households of the deceased, Stalin added, and there shall be an inquiry into the incident.
One man whose relations had been on the occasion spoke to Indian information company ANI from exterior a hospital.
“My brother’s two youngsters had been there. Two boys. The elder one handed away, the youthful one is lacking. My family members, my sister-in-law, is within the ICU. What ought to I do?” he mentioned.
In a web-based assertion, Vijay mentioned his coronary heart was “damaged” and he was in “insufferable, indescribable ache and sorrow.”
He despatched his “deepest sympathies and condolences” to the households of those that died, and prayers for a “speedy restoration” to these in hospital.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the incident was “unlucky” and “deeply saddening”, in a submit on X.
Lethal crushes should not unusual in India, and there have been a number of equally tragic incidents this 12 months alone, together with on the famous Kumbh Mela Hindu festival and outside a cricket stadium.
