Dozens killed in the crush of a political rally in Tamil Nad

At least 36 people have died, including children, in the crush of a political rally in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nada, according to civil servants.

Tens of thousands of people had gathered on Saturday a campaign for an actor event, turned into a politician Vijai, in the South Carour area.

It has been delayed for several hours, local media reported. The images broadcast on television have shown that people are falling into the packed crowds.

The politician Senthil Balaji talks to reporters in front of a local hospital to confirm death, adding that more than 50 other people had been injured.

The death issue includes at least 16 women, nine men and six children, State Minister of Health Ma Subramanyan told local media.

Tamil Chief Minister of Zhoda Mk Stalin said some people were taken to hospital after falling into the crush. Additional assistance has been requested from doctors working in nearby areas, he added.

The compensation of one million rupees ($ 11,300; 8,400 British pounds) will be provided to the deceased’s families, Stalin added and there will be an investigation into the incident.

In an online statement, Vijay sent his “most deep sympathy and condolences” to the families of the dead and prayers for the “quick recovery” of those in the hospital.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the incident was “unhappy” and “deep sadness”, in a publication of X.

Deadly crushing are not uncommon in India and there are several similar tragic incidents only this year, including in Famous Hindu festival Kumbh Mela and Outside the cricket stadiumS