A chaotic crowd at a rally for a popular actor and politician in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu killed at least 36 people and injured 40 others, the state's health minister said today, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
Minister Ma Subramanian told the AP that the victims were already dead when they were taken to hospital. He added that the condition of the injured was stable.
At least six children were among the dead, the "Hindustan Times" newspaper reported, quoting Ma Subramanian, DPA reported.
The number of victims was also reported by NDTV and other local media. Dozens of others were injured, with NDTV showing footage of unconscious people being carried out of the crowd.
Tens of thousands of people had gathered in the city of Karur to hear a speech by Tamil actor and politician Vijay, known only by one name. The crowd, estimated at 30,000 or more, far exceeded organizers' expectations, according to reports.
Witnesses told the Hindustan Times that chaos erupted as more people crowded towards the stage. Many in the crowd fainted. Vijay cut short his speech when he realised what was happening.