Post by : Raman

Hassan, Karnataka – A night meant for celebration and devotion turned into one of the most tragic events in recent memory in Hassan district, Karnataka. During the Ganesh Visarjan procession in Mosale Hosahalli village near Holenarasipura, a speeding truck crashed into a large crowd of devotees, killing nine people and injuring twenty-two others. This horrifying incident has left the local community in deep shock, grief, and disbelief.

The Ganesh Visarjan festival is one of the most widely celebrated events in Karnataka and across India. Devotees gather in thousands to immerse the idol of Lord Ganesh into water bodies as part of the closing ceremony of Ganesh Chaturthi. People of all ages participate, including families, elderly citizens, and students. The festival is usually a time of joy, unity, and devotion. However, in Mosale Hosahalli, the celebrations on Friday evening, September 12, 2025, took a devastating turn.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around 8:45 PM when the procession was at its peak. Thousands of devotees were walking along the streets, chanting prayers, playing drums, and carrying the idol for immersion. Suddenly, a truck driven by a man identified as Bhuvanesh lost control after hitting a road divider. The vehicle first crushed a two-wheeler and then rammed into the crowd, leaving people screaming and running for their lives. The chaotic scene was captured in a disturbing video that quickly spread on social media, showing the truck ploughing into devotees, adding to the fear and anger of the local community.

The victims of this tragedy include men, women, and children, as well as students. Among the deceased were five students from the Government Engineering College in Mosale Hosahalli. Their lives were tragically cut short in what should have been a peaceful evening. The names of those who lost their lives are:

• Praveen Kumar, engineering student, Ballari

• Rajesh (17), Holenarasipura taluk

• Eshwar (17), Holenarasipura taluk

• Gokul (17), Holenarasipura taluk

• Kumar (25), Holenarasipura taluk

• Praveen (25), Holenarasipura taluk

• Mithun (23), Chitradurga district

• Suresh, engineering student, Chikkamagaluru district

• Prabhakar (55), Hassan taluk

The injured, many of whom are in critical condition, were immediately rushed to HIMS Hospital in Hassan and other nearby private hospitals. Doctors and medical staff worked tirelessly to treat the injured, while the police began securing the area and conducting rescue operations. The truck driver, Bhuvanesh, also sustained injuries and is now in police custody. Authorities have registered a case against him and have launched a thorough investigation to determine how the accident happened and whether negligence played a role.

The impact of this tragic event has been felt across Hassan and neighboring districts. Mosale Hosahalli, a village that has celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi for over 25 years, is still reeling from the shock. Residents described the scene as “unimaginable chaos,” with people screaming for help and trying to save their friends and family from being hit by the truck. Many villagers have expressed anger over how such an incident could happen during a festival that draws thousands of people.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for each family of the deceased and assured that the government would cover all medical expenses for the injured. Other leaders, including Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, also expressed condolences and promised full support to the victims and their families. They called the accident “deeply tragic” and emphasized the need for proper safety measures during public events in the future.

The Ganesh Visarjan procession tragedy has sparked discussions about the safety of public events in India, especially during festivals that attract large crowds. While celebrations are meant to be joyous, the lack of crowd control, proper barricades, and traffic management can turn these gatherings into dangerous situations. Experts have pointed out that authorities must implement strict safety protocols, including designated vehicle-free zones, traffic diversion plans, emergency medical services on standby, and constant monitoring by local law enforcement during festivals.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the truck was moving at a high speed and that the driver may have lost control due to carelessness or mechanical failure. The vehicle’s collision with a road divider intensified the damage, turning it into a high-speed hazard for the nearby crowd. Many victims were students and young adults, highlighting the cruel twist of fate and the scale of loss caused by this tragedy.

The police have urged any witnesses to come forward to help identify further details about the incident. CCTV footage from nearby shops and residences is being reviewed to understand the exact sequence of events leading up to the accident. Forensic teams are also examining the truck and its mechanical condition to rule out technical failures as a possible cause. The investigation aims to provide clarity and accountability for the lives lost in this tragic event.

This accident is not only a human tragedy but also a social shock to the community. Families are mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones, students are grieving for their friends, and the villagers are struggling to comprehend the scale of the disaster. Local schools and colleges have observed moments of silence, and community leaders have called for prayers and support for the victims and their families.

The Ganesh festival, celebrated with music, prayer, and devotion, is also a symbol of community bonding. However, this tragic event in Hassan serves as a harsh reminder of how quickly celebrations can turn into disasters if safety is not prioritized. Authorities across Karnataka and other states are being urged to adopt more stringent safety measures during large gatherings to prevent similar accidents in the future.

In addition to the immediate tragedy, there is also concern about the mental health impact on survivors and witnesses. Experiencing such a sudden and violent event can cause long-lasting trauma, particularly for children and young adults. Psychologists and social workers are being called upon to provide counseling and support to those affected, helping them cope with the loss and fear caused by this horrific accident.

This incident also raises questions about road safety regulations and vehicle monitoring during public events. Authorities may consider measures such as banning heavy vehicles in procession areas, checking drivers’ licenses and vehicle conditions before large gatherings, and employing traffic marshals to manage crowd movement. Such measures could help prevent the recurrence of similar incidents during festivals and public events.

While the investigation continues, one fact remains clear: the Hassan Ganesh Visarjan tragedy has left a permanent mark on the community. The celebration that was meant to honor Lord Ganesh and bring people together has instead become a story of grief, loss, and mourning. Families have lost loved ones, students have lost friends, and a community has been left in shock.

Karnataka’s state government and local authorities have promised to learn from this tragedy and strengthen safety measures for future public events. Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn and support each other, demonstrating resilience and solidarity in the face of immense sorrow.

In conclusion, the Hassan Ganesh Visarjan accident is a tragic reminder of the need for safety, vigilance, and planning during public events. While festivals are meant to celebrate culture, faith, and community, the protection of human life must always remain the top priority. The loss of nine lives and the injuries of over twenty others during a moment of devotion and joy will not be forgotten, and it underscores the urgent need for improved public safety measures across India.

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