What caused stampede at Vijay's rally in Karur that led to death of several people?

Tragedy struck at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur, leading to the death of at least 29 people, including a few children.

Thousands of supporters of the actor-politician gathered at the venue to listen to Vijay, leading to a stampede-like situation. According to media reports, the crowd swelled and became uncontrollable even as Vijay was addressing the gathering.

According to eyewitnesses, around 7.45, a large number of people thronged the  ‘Velicham Veliyeru’ ('Let There Be Light') event in Velusamypuram in Karur, dismantling the barricades. In the ensuing melee, children got separated from their parents, and many people were trampled even before the volunteers present there and the police could do anything to help. 

A number of people, including party workers and a few children, fainted and fell down, forcing Vijay to halt his speech.

Images circulating on social media showed huge crowds gathered around the bus on which Vijay was standing and addressing the gathering.

He threw water bottles from atop the custom-built campaign bus. "Police, please help," the actor-politician was heard saying as people fell unconscious.

Those who fainted were rushed to nearby hospitals in ambulances and some of them are reportedly battling for their lives. Media reports say chaotic scenes were witnessed at the hospitals in Karur.

After several people were taken to hospitals, police resorted to baton-charge in Karur to drive away crowd. 

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin appealed to people in Karur to cooperate with doctors and police, and said instructed top police officials to take appropriate steps to restore normalcy in the area.