Bengaluru: A festive Ganesha idol immersion procession in Doddaballapur near Bengaluru turned tragic on Friday evening when a firecracker explosion on a moving forklift claimed the life of a Class 10 student and injured six others, including a police constable.
Victim identified as 15-year-old
The deceased has been identified as S. Tanush Rao (15) from Muttur, Doddaballapur. He was seated close to a box of firecrackers placed behind the driver’s seat of the forklift transporting the idol.
According to police, the explosion occurred around 6 p.m. while the procession was on its way to a nearby lake for the immersion ceremony. Tanush suffered severe burns and succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
How the accident occurred
Investigators revealed that the forklift, driven by Muniraju (27), had been in operation for over two hours. The prolonged activity generated heat near the cracker box, triggering the explosion.
Others injured in the incident include Ganesh (16), Yogesh (15), Nagaraju (35), Chetan (age not disclosed), police constable Zakir Hussain, and driver Muniraju. Some of the injured were walking or dancing near the forklift at the time of the blast.
Safety concerns over use of forklifts
Authorities expressed concern over the growing practice of using forklifts during festival processions. These industrial machines, designed for warehouses and factories, are increasingly being modified to carry large idols and even perform stunts to entertain crowds, posing significant safety risks.
A senior police official stated that the incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety protocols for festival celebrations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Investigation underway
Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident and are examining whether safety regulations were flouted. Legal action is expected against those responsible for mishandling explosives and failing to ensure public safety.
Conclusion
The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the festive spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi in the region and has sparked calls for tighter enforcement of safety measures during public celebrations.