At least 12 people, including three children, died due to suffocation at an election rally addressed by Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and popular actor Vijay in Karur on Saturday.

About 30 others who fainted due to overcrowding at the event were rushed to hospitals in Karur and adjoining areas.

Karur district collector M Thangavel said 12 people who participated in the rally have died at the Karur government hospital. Since more casualties are feared, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced that he has rushed medical teams from Tiruchirapalli to Karur to treat the affected.

Health Minister Ma Subramanian and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi have rushed to Karur to take stock of the situation.

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