Team News Riveting
Bengaluru, September 13
A Ganesh idol immersion procession turned tragic in Hassan district of Karnataka last night as a speeding truck rammed into devotees, killing nine people.
According to police, 22 others were injured in the incident that took place at Mosale Hosahalli on Hassan-Holenarasipura highway. The preliminary investigation said the truck lost control, hit a divider and ploughed into the crowd, which included a large number of youths, including students. Of the injured, condition of two is reported to be critical.
The truck driver, identified as Bhuvan, fled the spot after the crash. He was nabbed and assaulted by bystanders. He sustained injuries in the attack and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital under police supervision.
The visuals from the incident show a group of people dancing to music as part of Ganesh immersion celebration when the white truck rams over them.
The authorities said the bodies had been handed over to the families after the post-mortems. Among the deceased, eight were aged between 17 and 25 years, while one victim was a 55-year-old man. Of the nine, two were from Ballari and Chitradurga districts, and the remaining were residents of Hassan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the loss of lives in a mishap in Hassan, Karnataka. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.
The PMO India handle in post on X said: “The mishap in Hassan, Karnataka, is heart-rending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those who have been injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief and announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for each of the deceased.
