Truck Rams Ganapati Procession in Karnataka’s Hassan, 9 Dead

• A truck ploughed into a Ganesha visarjan crowd on NH-373 around 8.45 pm
• Nine people died and twenty-two were injured including engineering students
• The injured driver Bhuvanesh was taken into custody and a case has been registered
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced ₹5 lakh compensation and free medical care

GG News Bureau
Hassan, 13th Sept: A late-night tragedy struck Karnataka’s Hassan district when a heavy goods truck lost control and rammed into a Ganapati visarjan procession near Mosale Hosahalli in Holenarasipura, killing nine people and injuring 22 others. Officials have warned the death toll may rise as several victims remain critical.

The accident occurred around 8.45 pm on the bustling NH-373 road during the concluding day of Ganesha Chaturthi festivities. According to police sources, the truck plowed through the crowd after hitting a road divider. The driver, identified as Bhuvanesh of Hirebelaguli, also sustained serious injuries and has been taken into custody.

Inspector General of Police M.B. Boralingaiah confirmed that six villagers and three engineering students were among the dead. District officials said 22 injured persons are receiving treatment at KIMS Hospital and a private facility in Hassan.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep grief, announcing ₹5 lakh compensation for each victim’s family and free medical care for the injured. “This is an extremely painful moment. The government will bear all medical expenses,” he posted on X. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar also extended condolences and assured assistance.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Eyewitnesses reported that the truck was speeding before it struck the procession. Further updates are awaited as the district administration continues rescue and relief operations.