Twenty-nine people died in a stampede at the actor-politician Vijay's rally here on Saturday, state Health Minister Ma Subramanian said. According to him, 29 persons were brought dead and over 45 are under treatment. Meanwhile, the chief minister convened a meeting of top state officials at the Secretariat to review the situation.
PM Modi condoled the deaths. According to officials, at least 30 people fainted while Vijay was actually addressing the rally and were rushed in ambulances to hospitals. "Information from Karur is worrisome," Chief Minister M K Stalin said after the hospitalisation of several people.
Even as Vijay was addressing the massive gathering from atop his campaign vehicle, he halted his speech mid-way when many workers raised alarm after noticing that people were fainting and falling down.