'I am shattered': Vijay on Karur stampede, expresses condolences to victims' families

Tamil actor Vijay, who heads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), expressed grief over the tragic stampede in the rally organised by him in Karur on Saturday. At least 38 people, including eight children, have died so far in the stampede. In a post on X, he said that he expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

"My heart is shattered. I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital," he wrote on X.

Reports indicate that Vijay arrived at least five hours late for the rally. By that time, the crowd had surged, and people who were tired of waiting for long hours began to collapse. Media reports showed Vijay throwing water bottles to the crowd that shoved around the raised platform on which he stood and addressed the crowd. He also reportedly asked for police help after noticing people fainting. The crowd swelled uncontrollably, which led to chaos and a stampede.

Soon after the incident, Vijay left for Chennai from Trichy airport, and he avoided queries from the media on the stampede that happened during the rally.