Nine people, including three engineering students and six villagers, were killed and over 20 injured when a tanker truck lost control and rammed into a Ganesh festival immersion procession in Mosale Hosahalli village, Hassan district, Karnataka on Friday evening. The truck reportedly swerved to avoid a two-wheeler and crossed into the crowd gathered for the procession.
The injured are under treatment at hospitals, and the truck driver has been taken into police custody. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the victims’ families and assured medical expenses coverage, with investigations underway.
Tragedy Strikes at Ganesh Immersion
The accident took place on National Highway-373 between 8:00 pm and 8:45 pm when the tanker truck, allegedly driven recklessly, swerved suddenly to avoid an oncoming two-wheeler and jumped the road divider into the Ganesh immersion procession on the opposite side. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as the vehicle ploughed through the crowd, sending many fleeing in panic.
Among the deceased were five students of the local Government Engineering College alongside villagers including young men and middle-aged individuals. Hassan Superintendent of Police Mohammed Sujeetha MS confirmed the driver, Bhuvanesh, was injured in the crash and is now in police custody. Local authorities immediately dispatched emergency medical services to ferry the injured to Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences and nearby private hospitals, where some remain in critical condition. Families of the victims have demanded justice as the community mourns.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigation
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences and announcing ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each of the deceased’s families. He further assured the government would bear all medical expenses for those injured.
“This is a profoundly painful moment,” Siddaramaiah said. Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy also conveyed his grief and urged the government to ensure the best medical care for the injured. The police have filed a case against the truck driver under charges related to accidental death and reckless driving and have commenced a detailed investigation to understand the sequence of events and any lapses in traffic management or safety protocols during the festival.
Context: Safety During Religious Festivals
Religious celebrations such as Ganesh Chaturthi notably draw large crowds, necessitating comprehensive planning for crowd control and traffic management. This incident highlights ongoing concerns over festival safety in Karnataka and across India, where similar accidents in the past have underscored the critical need for enhanced precautionary measures.
Authorities often partially close or divert roads, but unexpected vehicular movements can still pose grave risks. Following the Hassan tragedy, the district police and administration have pledged to review current safety frameworks to prevent recurrence. Calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, including speed monitoring and barriers near processional routes, have gained momentum in light of this devastating event.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragedy during a sacred festival serves as a poignant reminder that joyous occasions must never come at the cost of human lives.
The Logical Indian stands for the nurturing of community bonds through celebrations that prioritise safety and respect for all participants. It is imperative that local administrations work closely with citizens to establish foolproof safety protocols, while drivers and all road users exercise heightened responsibility and caution.
