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 Indian Express. One of the branches broke and the persons fell onto the crowd, leading to further chaos.

The Tamil Nadu government has formed a commission headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan to investigate the circumstances that led to the stampede, The Hindu quoted Stalin as saying.

The chief minister has also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those who died in the stampede, and Rs 1 lakh for those who were injured.

Meanwhile, the Karur Police registered a first information report against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s district secretary VP Mathiyazhaga.

He was booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections pertaining to attempt to murder and attempt to commit culpable homicide, acts that endanger life or personal safety of others through rash or negligent behaviour and disobedience of an order duly promulgated by a public servant, reported The New Indian Express.

In a social media post on Saturday night, Vijay expressed his condolences to the families of those who died.

“My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express,” he wrote.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam added: “I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital.”

President Droupadi Murmu said that she was “anguished to know about the tragic loss of lives” in the stampede.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for early recovery of those injured,” she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “unfortunate” and “deeply saddening”.

“My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones,” he wrote on social media. “Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged party workers to extend “every possible support to the victims and their families, and to work closely with the authorities in relief and rescue efforts”.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic incident at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, that has taken so many precious lives,” he said. “My heart goes out to their loved ones, and I wish a swift recovery to all those injured.”

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