A Ganesha immersion procession in Karnataka’s Hassan district turned into a scene of horror on Friday night after a speeding Lorry ploughed into a crowd of devotees, leaving eight people dead and more than twenty injured.
The tragedy took place at Mosale Hosahalli village in the district at around 8.45 pm during the final day of Ganesha Chaturthi festivities. Police sources said most of the deceased were young boys.
Eyewitnesses recalled the devastating moment the Lorry, said to be travelling from Arakalagudu, lost control and crashed into the throng. “About four people died on the scene after being trapped under the lorry’s wheel,” villagers told reporters.
The seriously injured were rushed to a private hospital in Hassan for treatment. Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the accident.
Also read: 4 killed, several injured in road accident in Jhajjar
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy expressed anguish at the mishap, calling it “a very tragic incident.” He said, “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.”
The JDS leader added, “I am deeply saddened that devotees lost their lives when a Lorry ran over those taking part in the Ganapati procession. This is a very tragic incident.”
Kumaraswamy urged the Karnataka government to ensure free medical care for the injured. He also prayed for their swift recovery.
The accident, is being considered one of the deadliest to occur during this year’s Ganesha festivities.
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