Hassan (Karnataka): A late-night accident in Holenarasipur, Hassan district turned tragic when a tanker lorry ploughed into a Ganeshotsava procession near Kin Mosale Hosahalli, killing nine people and injuring over a dozen others. Police have launched a detailed probe, with forensic teams and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) conducting inspections at the accident site this morning.
According to officials, the incident occurred around 8 PM on Wednesday night when a tanker lorry travelling from Hassan towards Holenarasipur suddenly lost control, crossed the road divider, and rammed into hundreds of youths dancing behind a DJ in the religious procession.
Five victims died on the spot, while four more succumbed to injuries in hospital. The deceased include six people from Hassan district and three from outside districts. At least five to six injured remain in ICU, while 15 others with minor injuries are undergoing treatment at Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences.
Witnesses said that just seconds before the crash, an Ape auto had stopped near Raghavendra Computers and RG Chat Centre. “If not for the auto’s sudden halt, the lorry would have ploughed into the larger crowd standing nearby, and the death toll could have been much higher,” a local resident said.
The tanker eventually came to a halt after colliding with the auto, reducing further casualties. However, those caught directly under the vehicle’s wheels were killed instantly.
Police officials, led by SP Hassan, have formed a special investigation team to examine possible causes, including driver negligence and lapses in safety arrangements during the procession. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the accident spot, and officials are analysing whether barricading or police deployment was insufficient.
The Karnataka government has announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased.
ಹಾಸನದಲ್ಲಿ ಗಣೇಶ ವಿಸರ್ಜನೆಗಾಗಿ ಮೆರವಣಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತೆರಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದವರ ಮೇಲೆ ಲಾರಿ ಹರಿದು ಹಲವರು ಸಾವಿಗೀಡಾಗಿ, ಸುಮಾರು 20ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಮಂದಿ ಗಂಭೀರ ಗಾಯಗೊಂಡ ಸುದ್ದಿ ತಿಳಿದು ಅತೀವ ದುಃಖವಾಯಿತು.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) September 12, 2025
ಮೃತರ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ಸಿಗಲಿ, ಗಾಯಾಳುಗಳು ಆದಷ್ಟು ಶೀಘ್ರ ಗುಣಮುಖರಾಗಲಿ ಎಂದು ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ.
ಮೃತರ ಕುಟುಂಬಗಳಿಗೆ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ವತಿಯಿಂದ…
Authorities said the final report will establish whether the accident was purely due to rash driving or also involved administrative lapses in managing the Ganeshotsava procession.
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