What Happened in Karnataka's Ganesh Visarjan Tragedy? PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Support for Victims' Families

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tragic accident during Ganesh Visarjan results in nine deaths.
- Prime Minister Modi offers financial support to victims' families.
- Local authorities are prioritizing assistance for the affected.
- Immediate medical care is being provided to the injured.
- Community safety measures need to be reevaluated.
Bengaluru, Sep 13 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared his sorrow regarding the heart-wrenching event involving a truck crashing into the Ganesh Visarjan procession, which resulted in the loss of nine lives.
"The tragedy in Hassan, Karnataka, is truly devastating. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families during this painful time. I wish a swift recovery for those injured," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) relayed from PM Modi's statements on social media platform X.
"An ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF will be allocated to the next of kin of each victim. Those injured will receive Rs 50,000," the statement indicated.
In response to this unfortunate accident during the Ganesh Visarjan, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and District In-charge Minister Krishna Byre Gowda have ordered immediate assistance for the families affected. Following their instructions, local authorities are implementing all necessary actions throughout the night, as noted by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Saturday.
The CMO further explained, "Since the incident occurred, teams of officials and medical personnel have been in continuous communication, with In-charge Minister Krishna Byre Gowda closely overseeing the developments."
"Officials have maintained constant contact with the families of the deceased, ensuring that post-mortem examinations were performed promptly during the night. The medical team conducted all necessary legal procedures and returned the bodies to the family members without delay," it added.
The district medical officers have taken charge of treating the injured, assembling a dedicated team of healthcare professionals. The CMO confirmed that all essential and advanced medical care is being offered.
The In-charge Minister has been in ongoing communication with the District Commissioner and the District Medical Officer, visiting hospitals and engaging directly with the families affected, according to the CMO.
As per police reports, during the Ganesh immersion at Mosale Hosahalli, the truck driver, due to excessive speed and recklessness, crashed into the crowd participating in the procession.
It has been reported that attendees from Mosale Hosahalli, Hirehalli, and nearby villages joined the procession, including students from various local college hostels.
The driver, identified as Bhuvanesh, was hospitalized after being pulled from the vehicle and assaulted by the crowd.
The truck initially hit a motorcycle ahead, then collided with a divider before running over the crowd at the Ganesh Visarjan. Four individuals died at the scene, while five others succumbed to their injuries in various hospitals. Most of the deceased were students, according to police reports.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences regarding this tragic event and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh along with provisions for free medical treatment for the injured.