According to Xinhua News Agency, a stampede occurred during a political rally in Tamil Nadu, southern India, on the evening of Sept. 27, resulting in at least 36 deaths, including 8 children and 16 women, with over 40 others injured. Local media reports indicate that the death toll has now risen to 38, with most victims being women and children, and more than 50 people have been hospitalized.
The stampede happened around 7:45 p.m. local time when a large crowd surged toward the stage, causing some individuals to trip over barriers, which triggered the stampede. Eyewitnesses reported that the venue was severely overcrowded and chaotic.
The political rally was organized by a well-known local actor to promote his newly formed political party ahead of local elections scheduled for early next year. Initial estimates indicated that about 10,000 people were expected to attend, but the latest estimates suggest that around 50,000 were present at the event.
Following the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, and the Tamil Nadu government has ordered an investigation.
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