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At least 39 people have died, including children, in a crush at a political rally in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, officials say.<\/p>\n
Tens of thousands of people had gathered on Saturday at a campaign event for actor-turned-politician Vijay, in the southern Karur district.<\/p>\n
It was delayed by several hours, local media reported. Images broadcast on television showed people fainting in the packed crowds.<\/p>\n
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin told reporters in Karur that the death toll included at least 17 women, 13 men and nine children. A further 51 people were receiving treatment, he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Compensation of one million rupees ($11,300; \u00a38,400) will be provided to the families of the deceased, Stalin added, and there will be an inquiry into the incident.<\/p>\n
One man told Indian news agency ANI from outside a hospital that his brother’s two sons had been at the event.<\/p>\n
“The elder one passed away, the younger one is missing. My relatives, my sister-in-law, is in the ICU. What should I do?” he said.<\/p>\n
Vijay wrote in an online statement that his heart was “broken” and that he was in “unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow”.<\/p>\n
He sent his “deepest sympathies and condolences” to the families of those who had died, and prayers for a “speedy recovery” to those in hospital.<\/p>\n
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the incident was “unfortunate” and “deeply saddening” in a post on X.<\/p>\n
Deadly crushes are not uncommon in India, and there have been several similarly tragic incidents this year alone, including at the famous Kumbh Mela Hindu festival <\/a>and outside a cricket stadium<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n