Two dead after Ganesh idol collapses during Mumbai procession

Two people died and five others were injured when a 22-foot-tall Ganesh idol collapsed during its arrival procession in Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar area on Saturday night.

The incident occurred at Jay Ambe Chowk on Balaram Merchant Road at around 9.50 pm, as the idol was being brought in ahead of this year’s Ganeshotsav festival.

The deceased have been identified as Sanket Nevshe, 33, and Brijesh Hemant Joshi, 30. Five people, including two children, were injured and are being treated at nearby hospitals, with their condition described as stable.

The idol was being transported from Byculla towards Bhuleshwar when it became unbalanced and toppled onto people gathered around the procession.

Preliminary information suggested that loose nuts and bolts in the supporting frame may have contributed to the collapse, with fire officials also pointing to possible faulty welding.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation mobilised fire brigade personnel, police, ambulance services and civic ward staff immediately after the incident, as authorities continue to look into the exact cause.

The incident occurred ahead of this year’s Ganeshotsav festival, one of Mumbai’s biggest annual celebrations, which is scheduled to begin on September 14.

Large, elaborately constructed idols like the one involved in the accident are a common feature of Ganeshotsav arrival processions across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.

The idol was being transported from Byculla towards Bhuleshwar as part of arrival preparations when it became unbalanced and toppled onto people gathered around the procession.

Preliminary information suggested that loose nuts and bolts in the idol’s supporting frame may have contributed to the collapse, with fire officials also pointing to possible faulty welding.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation mobilised fire brigade personnel, police, ambulance services and civic ward staff immediately after the incident.

The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, with their condition described as stable.

Photo by ninadism, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0