A Ganesh immersion procession in Hassan district turned tragic on Friday night when a speeding truck rammed into a crowd of devotees, killing eight people and leaving 20 others injured. The accident occurred around 8:45 pm at Mosale Hosahalli village during the final day of Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations.
According to eyewitnesses, the truck, believed to be traveling from Arakalagudu, suddenly went out of control and ploughed into the procession. The injured were rushed to a private hospital in Hassan for treatment.
CM Siddaramaiah Expresses Grief, Announces Compensation
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased and assured free medical treatment for all injured.
In a post on X, he said, “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. On behalf of the government, a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh each will be provided to the families of the deceased. The government will also bear the medical expenses for the treatment of those injured in the incident. This is a profoundly painful moment. Let us all stand with the families affected by this tragedy.”
Union Minister Kumaraswamy Seeks Free Treatment
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy also expressed anguish over the accident and urged the state government to ensure free treatment for the injured.
On X, he wrote, “I am deeply shocked to hear the news of a horrific accident during the Ganapati immersion procession at Mosalehosahalli in Hassan Taluk, where several people lost their lives and more than 20 were seriously injured. It is extremely saddening that devotees lost their lives after being run over by a truck during the Ganapati procession. This is a most unfortunate incident. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the grieving families to bear the pain. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The State Government must take steps to provide the best free treatment to the injured.”
