Hassan Tragedy: 9 Killed, Over 20 Injured After Tanker Rams Ganesh Immersion Procession

Hassan: At least nine people lost their lives and more than 20 were injured when a speeding tanker lorry crashed into a Ganesh idol immersion procession in Mosale Hosalli, Hassan district, on Thursday night.

The incident took place between 8 pm and 8:45 pm. According to Inspector General of Police Boralingaiah, six villagers and three engineering students were among the dead. The lorry driver was also injured in the crash.

The accident left the community in shock, with families mourning those who had gathered to celebrate the festival. Rescue teams and police rushed to the spot soon after the crash to take the injured to nearby hospitals.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow and announced ?5 lakh compensation for each of the deceased. He also assured that the government would cover the full medical expenses of those injured. “This is a profoundly painful moment. Let us stand with the families affected by this tragedy,” he said in a statement.

Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy also shared his grief, calling the incident “a horrific accident” and urging the government to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. He prayed for strength for the families of the victims and a speedy recovery for those battling injuries.

The festival immersion processions, usually marked by joy and devotion, turned into a moment of tragedy for Hassan. Authorities are investigating how the lorry entered the procession route and whether negligence or recklessness was involved.

The district administration has tightened safety measures in the area to prevent such incidents in the future.