Hassan, Karnataka: Tragedy struck Mosale Hosahalli village in Hassan district on Friday evening when a speeding truck ploughed into devotees participating in a Ganesh Visarjan procession. The accident claimed eight lives and left more than 20 people seriously injured, police confirmed.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief over the incident and announced ₹5 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased, with the state government to bear medical expenses for those injured.

What happened

The incident occurred around 8:45 pm during the final day of Ganesha Chaturthi at the Mosale Hosahalli village near the NH-373 highway in Hassan taluk. Beloved by locals from Mosale Hosahalli, Hirehalli, and other neighbouring villages, the immersion procession was underway when the accident happened.

Eyewitnesses said the truck first struck a motorcycle, then hit a road divider, and finally crashed into the crowd. Many of the victims were caught under the vehicle’s wheels.

Casualties and aftermath

Of the eight people who died: four died on the spot, while the other four succumbed to injuries in hospital. Among the deceased are reportedly five engineering students

Over 20 injured devotees were rushed to hospitals in Hassan city, Holenarasipur, and nearby facilities. At least 18 are admitted at Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), others in private hospitals.

The driver—identified in reports as Bhuvanesh from Hirebelaguli in Holenarasipura—allegedly lost control of the truck, reportedly laden with goods. He was taken into custody and injured during the incident. Angry locals pulled him from the vehicle before police intervened.

Response from authorities

  • Government: CM Siddaramaiah announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh for the victims’ families, and pledged to cover medical costs for injured persons.
  • Local reaction: Holenarasipur MLA H.D. Revanna and MLC Suraj Revanna visited the scene and criticised police for lack of presence despite large crowds. Hassan MP Shreyas Patel also visited hospital.
  • Investigation: Police registered a case. Initial findings point to overspeeding and rash driving. The driver is under hospital care. Authorities are probing further.

Past incidents and safety concerns

Processions during religious festivals such as Ganesh Visarjan often attract large crowds. Unfortunately, accidents involving vehicles are not uncommon, especially in areas with narrow roads, highways, or inadequate traffic control. This incident adds to a string of tragedies in recent years where devotees have been injured or killed due to vehicle-related mishaps in festival processions.

Conclusion

The Mosale Hosahalli tragedy is a stark reminder of how quickly a festive occasion can turn deadly when safety measures are insufficient. With eight lives lost, many more injured, and several students among the deceased, the incident underlines urgent need for better regulation and planning of processions, more vigilant traffic control, and stricter enforcement of road safety laws.