At least 38 persons, including children, died due to a stampede that broke out at the rally of actor-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu’s Karur on Saturday, NDTV reported, citing official sources.

Former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader V Senthil Balaji told news agency ANI that 58 people have been admitted to the local hospitals. “As of now, 46 persons are in private hospital, and 12 persons are admitted in a government hospital for treatment,” he said.

Vijay, who recently launched his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), arrived around six hours late at the rally venue in Karur, NDTV reported, adding that around 30,000 people had gathered at the venue to hear him.

The crowd swelled and became uncontrollable even as Vijay was addressing the gathering, and a number of persons including party workers and a few children fainted and fell down.

Several workers noticed the situation and raised an alarm, and Vijay took note and halted his speech and threw water bottles from atop the custom-built campaign bus, PTI reported. Ambulances had a tough time negotiating the heavily crowded thoroughfare to reach the spot, the news agency added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement, expressing sorrow over the incident. “The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wishing strength to them in this difficult time. Praying for a swift recovery to all those injured,” he posted on X.