At least 31 dead in crowd crush at India political rally, reports say
At least 31 people died on Saturday in a crowd crush during a large political event in southern India, according to media reports.
Among the dead were at least six children, the Hindustan Times reported, citing Tamil Nadu state Health Minister Ma. Subramanian.
The death toll was also reported by NDTV and other local media outlets. Dozens more were injured, with NDTV showing images of unconscious people being carried out of the crowd.
Tens of thousands of people had gathered in the city of Karur to hear a speech by the Tamil actor and politician Vijay, who goes by one name.
Reports said the crowd, estimated at 30,000 or more, far exceeded the number expected by the organizers.
Witnesses told the Hindustan Times that chaos erupted in the evening as more and more people pressed toward the stage. Many lost consciousness in the crush. Vijay reportedly interrupted his speech when he became aware of the disorder.
NDTV noted that the politician, from the regional party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), had started his speech more than six hours late. As the event progressed, the crowd continued to swell and eventually became uncontrollable.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay addresses supporters from an open bus during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) campaign rally in Karur. At least 31 people including six children died and dozens were injured in a crowd crush after tens of thousands packed the venue far beyond capacity and chaos erupted. Seshadri Sukumar/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Actor-turned-politician Vijay addresses supporters from an open bus during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) campaign rally in Karur. At least 31 people including six children died and dozens were injured in a crowd crush after tens of thousands packed the venue far beyond capacity and chaos erupted. Seshadri Sukumar/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
