Tragedy Strikes Ganesh Chaturthi Procession in Karnataka’s Hassan District
What was meant to be a night of devotion, music, and celebration turned into horror in Karnataka’s Hassan district when a speeding truck crashed into a Ganesh Chaturthi procession. Screams of panic replaced the chants and drumbeats as devotees scrambled for safety, transforming the festival’s joyful atmosphere into chaos and disbelief.
The horrific incident claimed multiple lives and left at least 20 others injured.
Eyewitness footage shows rescuers frantically pulling victims from the roadway and rushing them to nearby hospitals. Authorities report that several of the injured are in critical condition, highlighting the scale of the tragedy.
Ganesh Chaturthi is among Karnataka’s most cherished festivals, making the shock and grief across the state even more profound.
Officials have launched an investigation to determine possible lapses in crowd management and road safety, with warnings that the death toll could rise as more victims succumb to injuries.
A Call for Accountability and Safety
This incident has cast a heavy shadow over the state’s celebrations, turning a sacred occasion into a scene of mourning. Families of the victims are demanding answers, and authorities face mounting pressure to explain how such a catastrophic breach of safety occurred.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for stricter traffic control and enhanced protective measures during large public gatherings, to prevent future tragedies from turning festivals into scenes of heartbreak.