22-ft Ganesha idol falls during arrival ceremony in Mumbai's Bhuleshwar; 2 dead, 5 injured

According to VP Road police, the incident took place around 9.50 pm in Jai Ambe Chowk, Bhuleshwar, as the idol was being taken to the mandal

Mumbai: Two persons were killed and five others injured, including two girls aged 5 and 7, when a 22-feet high, 2-tonne Ganesha idol of Bhuleshwarcha Raja Mandal toppled from the platform on which it was being carried, and crashed onto the crowd accompanying the ‘Aagman’ procession in Bhuleshwar on Saturday night.

According to VP Road police, the incident took place around 9.50 pm in Jai Ambe Chowk, Bhuleshwar, as the idol was being taken to the mandal. (HT Photo)

According to the VP Road police, the incident took place around 9.50 pm in Jai Ambe Chowk, Bhuleshwar, as the idol was being taken to the mandal.

Police sources said the idol was tied to a specially-made platform, but the welding of the steel frame, which gives it support, broke, resulting in the idol crashing on the crowd participating in the procession.

One of the dead has been identified as Brijesh Joshi, and the other is Sanket Nevashe, the president of the mandal.

Three of the injured have been taken to J J hospital and two others to G T Hospital. A senior medical officer at G T Hospital said the injuries suffered by those admitted are minor, but one person -- Brijesh Joshi -- was brought dead.

Sanket Nevashe was reported dead at Reliance hospital, Girgaum.

Dilip Naik, Shiv Sena south Mumbai vibhag pramukh, said that they had welcomed the procession at Mughbhat Naka and then dispersed, but “hearing the news of idol’s crash, I reached G T Hospital, where two are being treated”.

According to sources, the crashed idol will be immersed in the night.