Hassan, Sept 13 (UNI) A night of festivity in Hassan turned tragic when a speeding truck ploughed into a Ganesh procession, killing nine people and injuring nearly 20 others. The accident occurred late yesterday, casting grief over the district.
Hassan Superintendent of Police MS Sujeetha, briefing the media, said the truck driver, identified as Buvanesh, has been named the prime accused and an FIR has been registered against him.
Investigations are underway to determine whether the accident was caused by mechanical failure, driver negligence, or other factors. Forensic teams have been deployed to inspect the vehicle and the accident site.
According to Sujeetha, the truck first struck a bike on the left side of the road before veering, breaking through a three-foot-high median and crashing into the tail-end of the procession.
“It was a third-party element — not an issue within the procession. Adequate police personnel and ambulances were deployed for the crowd, but the vehicle came from outside and hit the people at the rear,” she said.
Among the nine victims, six were residents of Hassan, while three were engineering students from Chikmagalur, Bellary, and Chitradurga. The dead also included the bike rider initially hit by the truck and the driver himself.
Bodies have been handed over to the families, police said.
At least 18 people were injured in the accident. Thirteen of them are admitted in the general ward of HIMES Hospital, and three are in the ICU, doctors said. Medical teams and police personnel worked through the night to manage the crisis and treat the wounded.
Senior leaders rushed to the hospital to meet the injured and console the families. BJP leader CT Ravi, after visiting HIMES Hospital, told reporters: “Last night, while the Ganesha procession was underway in Hassan, this accident happened, in which nine people lost their lives. Doctors and police worked tirelessly through the night”.
The government has announced Rs 5 lakh compensation, but I feel this amount is too little for such a tragedy. I urge the government to increase the compensation to Rs 50 lakh.”
State minister Krishna Byre Gowda also visited the hospital to assess the situation and meet the victims.
Police have said that every aspect of the case will be examined, including whether the truck had any mechanical faults or if the driver was under the influence.
“We are taking all steps to ensure justice for the victims and their families,” SP Sujeetha said.
The incident has sent shockwaves across Hassan, where the Ganesh festival is celebrated with fervour. While the celebrations were meant to spread joy, the accident has left the district mourning the loss of young lives and demanding stronger safety measures for large gatherings.
Authorities have appealed for calm and urged people to cooperate with the investigation. Support is being extended to the injured and the bereaved families, officials said.
