CHENNAI: Tamilaka Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay has made his first public statement following the stampede during the rally in Karur. Vijay expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the stampede.

“My heart is shattered; I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of my dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment in the hospital,” he said on X.

இதயம் நொறுங்கிப் போய் இருக்கிறேன்; தாங்க முடியாத, வார்த்தைகளால் சொல்ல முடியாத வேதனையிலும் துயரத்திலும் உழன்று கொண்டிருக்கிறேன்.

கரூரில் உயிரிழந்த எனதருமை சகோதர சகோதரிகளின் குடும்பங்களுக்கு என் ஆழ்ந்த அனுதாபங்களையும், இரங்கலையும் தெரிவித்துக்கொள்கிறேன். மருத்துவமனையில் சிகிச்சை…

— TVK Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) September 27, 2025

38 people, including eight children and 16 women, have been confirmed dead in the stampede that broke out at Vijay's Karur rally on Saturday evening. Dozens of people have been admitted to hospitals. More than 40 doctors from Tiruchirappalli and Salem have been deployed to the area.

Tamil media reported that many people had fallen unconscious by the time Vijay reached the stage. They were not taken to the hospital on time. There were no precautions to be taken to handle such a large crowd. The police had reportedly given permission for 10,000 people at the rally but the actual turnout swelled to nearly 30,000 to 35,000.