Chennai: New videos from Tamil Nadu’s Karur have surfaced, showing the chilling moments seconds before a deadly stampede broke out at actor-politician Vijay’s rally. The footage captures the swelling crowd, growing panic, and people desperately trying to stay on their feet, just moments before the situation spiralled out of control, leaving 39 dead and more than 50 injured.

The video shows people climbing on each other for air, children sitting on shoulders, and screams piercing through the crowd as the heat and suffocation intensified. What began as a sea of enthusiastic supporters turned into a nightmare within minutes.

How did the tragedy happen?

The stampede occurred while Vijay, leader of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was addressing a massive crowd from a campaign bus. As his vehicle approached, the crowd surged forward for a closer glimpse. Witnesses say the pressure from the back led to people falling, and panic quickly followed.

In the footage, some people can be seen trying to pull others up and assist the fallen. But within seconds, the crowd's density made movement nearly impossible.

Vijay was seen throwing water bottles into the crowd in an attempt to cool and calm the crowd. However, the relief effort came too late to prevent the stampede.

After the rally, Vijay flew from Trichy to Chennai, declining to speak to the media at the airport and covering his face from cameras. He broke his silence only upon arrival in Chennai, issuing a brief but emotional statement.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sought a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed shock and announced an inquiry headed by retired High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan. Stalin is expected to visit Karur tonight.