A devastating stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, India, has resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people, including children, according to state officials. The incident occurred on Saturday during a campaign event for actor-turned-politician Vijay in the Karur district, where tens of thousands of supporters had gathered. The event, which was delayed by several hours, saw chaotic scenes as people fainted in the overcrowded venue. Images from the scene depicted shoes and water bottles scattered across the road, highlighting the severity of the crush. Politician Senthil Balaji confirmed the fatalities outside a local hospital, noting that over 50 others were injured. The victims included 16 women, nine men, and six children, as reported by state health minister Ma Subramanian. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that additional medical assistance had been requested from nearby districts and promised compensation of one million rupees ($11,300) to the families of the deceased. An inquiry into the incident has also been initiated. Vijay expressed his “deepest sympathies and condolences” in an online statement, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as “unfortunate” and “deeply saddening” in a post on X. This tragedy adds to a series of similar incidents in India this year, including deadly crushes at the Kumbh Mela festival and outside a cricket stadium.