Hassan (Karnataka): A horrific road accident during a Ganeshotsav procession in Mosale Hosahalli, Hassan taluk left nine people dead, after a Maharashtra-registered refrigerated tanker (MH23 AU 3605) lost control and rammed into the crowd on Wednesday night.
According to police, the vehicle belonged to AVG Logistics, designed for transporting perishable goods under air-conditioned conditions. The truck was empty at the time, returning after unloading cargo in Hassan. The driver, identified as Bhuvanesh from Katte Biluguli village in Holenarasipur taluk, was on his way home via National Highway 373 when the tragedy struck.
Eyewitnesses reported that before the collision with the crowd, the tanker first hit a bike (KA41 V 4203) ridden by Prabhakar, a resident of Holenarasipur taluk, who died instantly on the spot. Following the impact, the truck driver allegedly panicked, lost control, and swerved right into the Ganeshotsav procession, where hundreds of devotees were dancing behind a DJ vehicle.
The heavy vehicle ploughed into the crowd, leaving five devotees dead on the spot. Several others were rushed to Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), where four more succumbed to injuries, raising the total toll to nine.
Also Read: Hassan Tanker Tragedy: 9 Killed, Probe Launched into Holenarasipur Ganeshotsava Accident
Police confirmed that at least 15 people sustained injuries, with several admitted to the ICU in critical condition. The accident site has been cordoned off, and forensic teams (SOCO) are collecting evidence.
Preliminary investigation suggests that driver negligence and overspeeding caused the crash. The truck and damaged bike have been seized for examination. Authorities are also probing whether there were security lapses in managing the Ganeshotsav procession.
The Karnataka government has announced ₹5 lakh ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased. Police have formed a special investigation team to establish responsibility and prevent recurrence of such tragedies.
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