How Did a Stampede at Vijay's TN Rally Lead to Tragedy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tragic loss of life occurred during a political rally.
- Witnesses recount harrowing experiences.
- Families demand accountability from organizers.
- Compensation of Rs 10 lakh announced for victims' families.
- Need for better crowd management in future events.
New Delhi, Sep 28 (NationPress) Devastating scenes emerged in Tamil Nadu's Karur as families of the victims shared their sorrow following a tragic stampede at the campaign rally of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Chief and actor Vijay. This unfortunate event claimed several lives, including that of a two-year-old boy.
Vimal, the father of Guru Vishnu, shared that his son attended the rally with his grandmother and neighbors.
"When Vijay arrived, there was a sudden power outage. As they attempted to get closer, chaos erupted, leading to a stampede. My child was with my mother. I was at work and couldn’t check my phone until late evening. By then, my child had already been taken to the hospital. Words cannot express the pain of losing my child," he sobbed during an interview with IANS.
The family of Maheswari, another victim, recounted her heroic attempt to save her daughters and grandchild.
Her son Prasanth stated, "My mother went to the temple and then paused to watch Vijay's campaign. Tragically, she was caught in the surge. While trying to rescue my sister and her child, she was swept away and lost her life."
Her daughter, who survived the stampede, shared her harrowing experience.
"I fell near Vijay’s vehicle with my sister. My mother came to help us but got trapped. I couldn't breathe and struggled for over an hour. I witnessed the crowd trample my mother's chest and throat right before my eyes. If only help had arrived sooner, she might have lived," she cried.
Maheswari's husband, Sakthivel, voiced his frustration towards the rally organizers.
"Was it really necessary to host such a large gathering in a cramped space? My wife lost her life trampled by so many. What’s the point of achieving anything if this is the outcome?" he lamented.
DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Congress MP S. Jothimani, and former Minister V. Senthil Balaji visited the grieving families, announcing compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the victims' kin.