A devastating accident took place Friday evening in Hassan district, Karnataka, when a speeding truck barreled into a Ganpati Visarjan (immersion) procession, killing at least eight people and injuring more than twenty others. The incident occurred between 8:00 pm and 8:45 pm in the village of Mosale Hosalli, along National Highway 373, during the final rituals of the Ganesh festival.

Eyewitnesses say the truck first collided with a motorbike, then lost control and ploughed into the crowd of devotees participating in the immersion ceremony. The impact threw many people to the ground; some were trapped under the vehicle or dragged.

Hospitals rapidly filled with the wounded. Among the injured, one is reported to be in critical condition at KIMS Hospital, while others are being treated in a private hospital.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a public statement, he offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced compensation of ₹5 lakh for each victim. He also said the state government will cover the medical expenses of those injured.

Former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy also reacted strongly, calling the accident “a most unfortunate tragedy.” He prayed for peace for those who lost their lives and urged the government to ensure free and proper treatment for the hospitalized.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, including whether the truck was speeding, driver error, or mechanical failure. Local law enforcement is reviewing how the procession was managed and whether safety measures were in place.