The toll in the stampede that occurred during actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district on Saturday has reached 39, ANI quoted Chief Minister MK Stalin as saying.

Among those who died are 16 women and eight children , according to The Indian Express . More than 150 persons were hospitalised in Karur and Tiruchirappalli after the stampede.

The stampede occurred shortly after 7.30 pm at Veluchamy Puram area, where Vijay, the chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, was speaking from atop his campaign vehicle.

Several of the persons attending the rally fainted due to overcrowding. Vijay’s speech was interrupted twice as ambulances were brought in to take those who collapsed.

Some of his supporters had also climbed a tree to get a better view, according to The Indi

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