Karnataka Horror: 9 Dead, 22 Injured as Speeding Truck Ploughs Into Ganesh Procession in Hassan District

Karnataka tragedy: 9 people killed and 22 injured after a speeding truck rammed into a Ganesh procession in Hassan district. Police launch probe as community mourns the shocking accident

In an unfortunate incident, nine people were killed while 22 were injured after a truck hit a procession heading for the immersion of Lord Ganesh idol in Karnataka’s Hassan district on Friday, as per officials.

Hassan Deputy Commissioner KS Latha Kumari stated that the incident occurred when the procession was hit by a truck.

“8 people have died, and 22 people have been injured and are receiving treatment at HIMS Hospital. Among them, one person is in critical condition. In a private hospital, seven people are also undergoing treatment, and their condition is said to be normal. The police are yet to provide information on the exact cause of the incident. According to eyewitness accounts, the procession was moving along, with a large number of youths participating. It is being said that the truck hit the divider. There are reports that engineering college students were present, and details about this still need to be confirmed…” Kumari told reporters here.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah expressed grief over the deaths and offered condolences to the families of the bereaved, and provided a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to each of the families.

“It is deeply saddening to learn news of several people losing their lives and over 20 others seriously injured when a lorry collided with a procession heading for Ganesh immersion in Hassan. I pray that the souls of the deceased find peace and that the injured recover as quickly as possible.

On behalf of the government, a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh each will be provided to the families of the deceased. The government will also bear the medical expenses for the treatment of those injured in the incident. This is a profoundly painful moment. Let us all stand with the families affected by this tragedy.”

Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy also expressed his grief over the incident.

“I am deeply shocked to hear the news of a horrific accident during the Ganapati immersion procession at Mosalehosahalli in Hassan Taluk, where several people lost their lives and more than 20 were seriously injured. It is extremely saddening that devotees lost their lives after being run over by a truck during the Ganapati procession.

This is a most unfortunate incident. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the grieving families to bear the pain. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The State Government must take steps to provide the best free treatment to the injured,” the post read.

Hassan MP Shreyas Patel said, “I am deeply shocked to hear the news of a horrific accident during the Ganapati immersion procession at Mosalehosahalli in Hassan Taluk, where several people lost their lives and more than 20 were seriously injured. It is extremely saddening that devotees lost their lives after being run over by a truck during the Ganapati procession. This is a most unfortunate incident. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the grieving families to bear the pain. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The State Government must take steps to provide the best free treatment to the injured.”

A devastating road accident struck Hassan district in Karnataka late Saturday night when a speeding truck rammed into a Ganesh idol procession, killing nine people and leaving at least 22 others injured. The incident has plunged the region into grief as families, devotees, and the local community grapple with the scale of the tragedy.

According to initial reports, the procession was taking place near Salagame Road in Hassan, where hundreds of devotees had gathered to bid farewell to the Ganesh idol during the annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Eyewitnesses said the truck, believed to have lost control, veered into the crowd before anyone could react.

The impact was so severe that several participants were thrown off their feet, and the vehicle dragged a few people for several meters before it finally came to a halt. Local residents and devotees rushed to the scene, pulling victims out and calling emergency services.

Police confirmed that nine people lost their lives on the spot, while 22 others sustained injuries ranging from fractures to head trauma. Several of the injured were rushed to Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), where some remain in critical condition.

Among the victims were young devotees, daily wage workers, and college students who had joined the religious procession. Authorities are yet to release the complete list of names but have assured that the families will be provided assistance.

Distressed eyewitnesses described the chaos and panic that unfolded within seconds.
One participant said:
“We were singing bhajans and dancing when suddenly a truck came from behind at full speed. People screamed, but before we could move, it had already hit the crowd. I saw friends and neighbors crushed in front of my eyes.”

Another local resident recalled:
“There was music, lights, and devotion everywhere. In just a moment, it turned into screams and blood. It’s something we will never forget.”

Hassan Superintendent of Police confirmed that the truck driver has been taken into custody. Preliminary investigations suggest possible negligent driving and brake failure, though forensic experts will examine the vehicle to determine the exact cause.

The police have registered a case of rash and negligent driving causing death and assured strict legal action. Officials also noted that the driver will undergo medical tests to rule out intoxication at the time of the incident.

Karnataka Chief Minister expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh for the kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.

State ministers also rushed to Hassan to oversee rescue operations and meet with the grieving families. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy during a festival that symbolizes devotion and unity. The government stands with the victims’ families,” a minister stated.

The accident has cast a shadow over Ganesh festivities in the region. What was meant to be a joyous farewell to Lord Ganesha turned into a night of mourning. Temples and local organizations have called for silent processions and prayer meetings in memory of the victims.

Social media has also been flooded with messages of grief and outrage, with many demanding stricter safety measures for large public gatherings and religious processions.

This tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for better traffic regulation and safety management during mass gatherings. Experts pointed out that:

Heavy vehicles should not be allowed near procession routes.

Dedicated police barricades and traffic diversions must be enforced.

Procession organizers should coordinate with authorities for safety audits.

Karnataka Horror: 9 Dead, 22 Injured as Speeding Truck Ploughs Into Ganesh Procession in Hassan District