At least 20 people are injured in the accident near Hassan on Friday
8 killed in Hassan after truck ploughs into Ganesha procession
While trying to avoid a bike, the truck reportedly lost control, jumped over the road divider and crashed into the crowd
Eight people were killed and more than 20 people injured when a truck ploughed into a Ganesha immersion procession at a village in Hassan district late Friday night (September 12).
Among the injured, at least eight individuals are currently in critical condition.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.
What eyewitnesses said
The incident occurred at Mosale Hosahalli village around 8.45 pm during the final day of the Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations. Most of the deceased are young boys, sources said, adding that over 20 people sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a private hospital in Hassan for treatment.
Eyewitnesses said the driver of the truck, said to be coming from Arakalagudu, lost control and crashed the vehicle into the devotees, the majority of whom were students.
Following the accident, the truck driver, Bhuvsnesh, allegedly attempted to flee, but the crowd apprehended him, roughed him up and subsequently handed him over to the police. Sources said the truck belongs to a logistics company.
Four individuals died at the scene, having been trapped under the truck's wheels, while four others succumbed to their injuries in various hospitals in Hassan, sources added.
Siddaramaiah's post on X
In a post on X, Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences, stating that he was saddened by the loss of several lives and the serious injuries sustained by people. He prayed for peace for the departed souls and wished for a speedy recovery for the injured.
"The government will provide Rs five lakh compensation to the families of the deceased. The cost of treatment for those injured in the incident will be borne by the government. This is a very painful moment. Let us all stand with the families affected by this tragedy," Siddaramaiah said.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy also expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, "I was deeply shocked to hear the news of a 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."
MP Shreyas Patel, who rushed to the accident site, said: “This is a very unfortunate incident. Arrangements are being made to ensure proper treatment for the injured. This tragedy should never have happened. Only after proper investigation will the exact cause be known.”
MLA HD Revanna also visited the spot, reviewed the situation, and gathered information from officials.
(The story was first published in The Federal Karnataka)