At least 39 people have died, including children, in a crush at a political rally in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, state 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.

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

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin told reporters in Karur that 39 people had died while 51 people were receiving treatment.

The death toll included at least 17 women, 13 men and nine children, he said.

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

One man whose family members were at the event spoke to Indian news agency ANI from outside a hospital.

"My brother's two children were there. Two boys. 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.

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

He sent his "deepest sympathies and condolences" to the families of those who 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, but headline rejigged)

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