CHENNAI – At least 40 people have died in a crush at a political rally in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, officials say.

Tens of thousands of people had gathered on Saturday at a campaign event for actor-turned-politician Vijay, in the southern Karur district.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin told reporters that the victims included nine children, at least 17 women, and 13 men. A further 51 people are receiving treatment in hospital, he said.

Police have filed a case against three senior members of Vijay's TVK party. Potential charges relate to homicide and negligent conduct, they said.

"TVK originally sought permission for a gathering of 10,000 people, but the actual crowd was more than double," Tamil Nadu police chief V Selvaraj told Reuters news agency.

Vijay was addressing the rally in Karur district when the crowd surged suddenly, forcing him to halt his speech.

It was delayed by several hours, local media reported. Images broadcast on television showed people fainting in the packed crowds.

Compensation of one million rupees ($11,300; £8,400) will be provided to the families of the deceased, Chief Minister Stalin added, and there will be an inquiry into the incident.

One man told Indian news agency ANI from outside a hospital that his brother's two sons had been at the event.

"The elder one passed away, the younger one is missing. My relatives, my sister-in-law, is in the ICU. What should I do?" he said.

Vijay wrote in an online statement that his heart was "broken" and that he was in "unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow".

He sent his "deepest sympathies and condolences" to the families of those who had died, and prayers for a "speedy recovery" to those in hospital.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the incident was "unfortunate" and "deeply saddening" in a post on X.

Deadly crushes are not uncommon in India, and there have been several similarly tragic incidents this year alone, including at the famous Kumbh Mela Hindu festival and outside a cricket stadium. – BBC