22-Foot Ganpati Idol Falls In Mumbai, Two Killed And Five Injured

Two people were crushed to death and five others, including two children, were injured after a 22-foot Lord Ganesha idol fell during the arrival ceremony of the ‘Bhuleshwaracha Raja’ in south Mumbai on Saturday night.

The incident occurred between 10 pm and 10.30 pm, ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Fire Brigade personnel, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials and Mumbai Police rushed to the spot following the incident.

Two Declared Dead At Hospital

According to preliminary information, the victims were taken to nearby hospitals, where doctors declared two of them dead.

The deceased have been identified as Sanket Nevshe and Brijesh Hemant Joshi.

The five injured people were identified as Vaibhav Ghenand, 38; Pawan Chaurasia, 25; Lavanya Ganer, 5; Divya Ganer, 7; and Kunal Kashid, 26. They are undergoing treatment at two different hospitals.

Loose Nuts And Bolts Suspected Behind Idol Collapse

Preliminary reports suggest that the idol fell after some nuts and bolts in its frame became loose.

An eyewitness said the hand of the idol broke first before the structure collapsed. He said his grandson was sitting near the idol's leg but managed to move away in time.

The eyewitness also claimed that the idol weighed around 3,000 kg.

Brijesh Joshi, who reportedly lived in a nearby building, was among those trapped under the idol. Locals and his family members reportedly pulled him out and rushed him to hospital, where he was declared dead.

Locals Raise Questions Over Road Conditions

Another eyewitness, Rakesh Chauhan, said a large crowd had gathered for the arrival of Lord Ganesha and people were celebrating when the idol suddenly fell.

The incident has also raised concerns over safety arrangements during idol processions and the condition of roads in the area.

Ganeshotsav Celebrations Begin In September

Ganeshotsav is among Mumbai and Maharashtra's biggest festivals, with devotees installing elaborately decorated Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals.

The 11-day Ganeshotsav celebrations are scheduled to begin on September 14 this year.

During the festival, devotees also organise arrival ceremonies as idols are brought to pandals for worship. Mumbai is known for its large public Ganpati idols, including the city's tallest, ‘Mumbaicha Raja’, which stands at around 45-47 feet.