What Happened in the Ganesh Visarjan Procession That Led to 8 Deaths in Karnataka?

Hassan (Karnataka), Sep 12 (NationPress) In a heartbreaking event, a minimum of 8 individuals lost their lives and over 20 others sustained injuries in Karnataka's Hassan district when a truck loaded with goods barreled into participants of the Ganesh Visarjan procession on Friday evening.

This tragic incident occurred near the Mosale Hosahalli railway gate in Hassan taluk.

As per police reports, during the immersion ceremony at Mosale Hosahalli, the truck driver, who was allegedly speeding and driving recklessly, crashed into the gathering of people engaged in the Ganesh Visarjan procession.

Witnesses stated that attendees from Mosale Hosahalli, Hirehalli, and nearby villages were involved in the procession. The identities of the victims have yet to be confirmed.

The driver, identified as Bhuvanesh, has been taken to the hospital. Eyewitnesses reported that he was pulled from the vehicle and assaulted by bystanders. Initially, the truck struck a motorcycle, collided with a divider, and subsequently ran into the crowd.

Four individuals died immediately at the scene, while four additional victims succumbed to their injuries at various hospitals. Among the deceased, five were engineering students, according to police sources.

The remains of the victims have been transported to the community health center mortuary. Those with severe injuries have been admitted to both government and private hospitals in Hassan city and Holenarasipur town, while others are receiving treatment at local medical facilities.

High-ranking police officials quickly arrived at the location.

In response to the incident, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed his deep sorrow on X, stating: "I am profoundly shaken by the news of this dreadful accident during the Ganapati immersion procession at Mosale Hosahalli, where numerous lives were lost and over 20 individuals were severely injured. It is heartbreaking that devotees were tragically affected by a truck during this sacred event."

"This is a profoundly unfortunate situation. May the souls of the departed find peace, and may the grieving families find strength in their time of sorrow. I also pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. The State Government should ensure the provision of the best free medical care for the injured," Kumaraswamy added.

JD(S) MLA and former minister H.D. Revanna, along with his son JD (S) MLC Suraj Revanna and Hassan MP Shreyas Patel, also hurried to the scene. MLA Revanna criticized the police, asserting that the tragedy was a result of their negligence. The Gorur police have initiated further investigations.