Eight people were killed and 22 others injured after a truck ploughed into a Ganesh idol immersion procession in Karnataka’s Hassan district on Friday evening, officials confirmed.
Deputy Commissioner KS Latha Kumari said the injured are being treated at HIMS Hospital, where one person remains in critical condition. Seven others admitted to a private hospital are reported to be stable. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, though eyewitnesses said the truck may have struck a divider before hitting the crowd. Several students were reportedly part of the procession.
Expressing grief, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced ₹5 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and assured that the government would bear medical expenses for all the injured. “This is a profoundly painful moment. I pray for peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.
Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Hassan MP Shreyas Patel also expressed condolences, terming the accident a “horrific” and “unfortunate” tragedy, while urging the state to ensure free and best possible treatment for the injured.
The procession, held at Mosalehosahalli in Hassan taluk, saw large participation from devotees and youths before the accident turned celebrations into mourning.