In the Hassan district of Karnataka, a joyful Ganesh idol immersion procession turned into a heartbreaking tragedy late on Friday, 12th September. A truck lost control and crashed into the gathering, leaving behind scenes of horror and panic. At least nine people lost their lives, while 22 others were injured in the dreadful accident, officials confirmed.

The Deputy Commissioner of Hassan, KS Latha Kumari, explained that the driver had attempted to avoid hitting a two-wheeler but in doing so lost control of the vehicle. The truck then jumped the road median and ploughed into the unsuspecting crowd on the other side. What was meant to be a night of faith and celebration ended in devastation for many families.

Driver Charged Under Several Sections of the Law

The Goruru Police quickly registered a case under Sections 281, 106 and 125 of the BNS against the driver, identified as Bhuvanesh, a resident of Kattebelaguli village in Holenarasipura taluk of Hassan district.

Video footage recorded at the accident spot revealed how the truck first hit a two-wheeler, then crossed over the divider, and finally rammed into the group of people dancing in the Ganesh procession.

The driver himself sustained injuries in the incident. Soon after, he was beaten by an enraged mob that had gathered at the site. The official complaint was filed based on the statement of Manjunath from Danayakanahalli, who tragically lost his nephew Eshwar in the accident.

Who Is Injured and How Serious Are Their Injuries

The injured were immediately shifted to nearby medical facilities. The majority, 19 of the 22 injured, were admitted to the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS). Among these, 18 patients are stable and undergoing treatment in the general ward. One patient had to undergo surgery due to a rib fracture.

Two other victims, who were moved to a private hospital, are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Fortunately, both are said to be in a stable condition. A team of doctors led by the district health officer has been closely monitoring the patients’ recovery.

District in-charge Minister Krishna Byre Gowda visited the hospital personally and assured that the state government is making all efforts to provide the best possible medical care to the injured.

The Many Young Lives Lost

The tragedy has left families devastated and the atmosphere in Hassan heavy with grief. Among the deceased, most were very young, barely in their early twenties. The names released include Praveen Kumar (21), Mithun (23), Rajesh (17), Kumar (25), another Praveen (25), Eshwar (17), Gokul (17), and Suresh (22). The oldest victim was Prabhakar (52).

Several of the victims and many of the injured were students from the Government Engineering College in Mosale Hosahalli. Locals revealed that some of these students had stepped out from their hostel for dinner and decided to join the Ganesh immersion procession just before the accident occurred.

What Eyewitnesses Say About the Crash

Eyewitnesses recall that the procession, which involved a large number of young devotees, was moving along peacefully when the accident happened. Suddenly, the truck veered out of control, smashed into the road divider, and rammed straight into the crowd.

Some reports suggested that the truck might have been overloaded, though officials are yet to confirm the exact cause. The sudden impact sent shockwaves through the crowd, triggering chaos as people screamed and ran for safety. Locals and police acted quickly, rushing those struck by the vehicle to hospitals for emergency treatment.

Government Aid and Compensation Announced

The accident drew swift responses from leaders at both the state and national level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow and announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the families of each deceased, and ₹50,000 for every injured person.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also conveyed his grief, calling it a deeply painful tragedy. He announced that the state government would provide ₹5 lakh as compensation to the families of the victims. He also assured that the government would cover all medical expenses of the injured.

In his words:

“It is deeply saddening to learn news of several people losing their lives and over 20 others seriously injured when a lorry collided with a procession heading for Ganesh immersion in Hassan. I pray that the souls of the deceased find peace and that the injured recover as quickly as possible.”

What Leaders Are Saying

Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy described the incident as “most unfortunate.” He expressed deep shock and offered prayers for the victims. He also urged the government to ensure that all the injured receive free medical care without delay.

Hassan MP Shreyas Patel also reacted strongly to the incident. In his statement, he said:

“It is extremely saddening that devotees lost their lives after being run over by a truck during the Ganapati procession. May God grant peace to the departed and strength to their families. The state must take steps to provide the best treatment to the injured.”