HUBBALLI: Tragedy struck Hassan district on Thursday night when a speeding tanker lorry ploughed into a Ganpati immersion procession in Mosale Hosalli village, killing nine people and injuring 22 others. The driver, who was also hurt, was arrested on Friday.
The crash occurred around 8.30 pm as villagers were leading the procession along one side of NH-373, with police diverting traffic to the opposite lane. Investigators said the truck, heading towards Holenarasipura, jumped the median and slammed into the crowd. Among the victims were six villagers and three engineering students.
Witnesses claimed the driver swerved to avoid a motorcyclist before hitting the devotees. The injured were rushed to the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences and private hospitals nearby.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow, announcing ₹5 lakh compensation for families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured. “This is a profoundly painful moment. Let us all stand with the families,” he said.
Former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy called the incident “most unfortunate,” while JD(S) MLA H.D. Revanna blamed police for failing to regulate traffic speed. Local officials, including Hassan MP Shreyas, MLA Swaroop, deputy commissioner Latha Kumari and the SP, visited the site.
Police said investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.
