Eight Dead as Truck Ploughs Into Ganesha Procession in Karnataka

Hassan (Karnataka): Eight people were killed and over 20 others injured when a truck rammed into a Ganesha immersion procession in Mosale Hosahalli village, Hassan district, on Friday night, police sources said.

The incident occurred around 8:45 pm on the final day of Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations. Most of the deceased were young boys, according to officials. Those injured sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a private hospital in Hassan for treatment.

Eyewitnesses reported that the truck, reportedly coming from Arakalagudu, lost control and crashed into the devotees. Villagers said about four people died instantly after being trapped under the vehicle’s wheels. An official statement is awaited.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy said, "I was deeply shocked to hear the news of this horrific accident during the Ganapati immersion procession in Mosale Hosahalli of Hassan taluk, in which several people lost their lives and more than 20 were seriously injured.'

"I am deeply saddened that devotees lost their lives when a truck ran over those taking part in the Ganapati procession. This is a very tragic incident,' he added. The minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged the state government to ensure free treatment for all victims.