RAICHUR: A Ganesh immersion procession turned tragic in Karnataka’s Raichur after an out-of-control tractor ploughed into a crowd, killing two boys and injuring four others on Friday night.
The accident occurred near M. Iranna Circle in Sahirabad, Raichur city, as a procession carrying a Ganesh idol was proceeding towards the immersion site.
The deceased have been identified as 14-year-old Suchith and 16-year-old Charan Kumar. Both reportedly died at the spot after being struck by the tractor.
The injured were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Vijay Kumar, 36, is reportedly in critical condition, while the other injured persons are said to have suffered non-critical injuries.
According to the initial account, the tractor lost control after reaching M. Iranna Circle and crashed into people participating in the Ganesh immersion procession.
The reported explanation is that the tractor driver accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the vehicle to surge forward and hit people in the procession. The circumstances surrounding the driver’s actions are being investigated by police.
The incident triggered panic among devotees participating in the procession and local residents. Rescue and medical assistance were initiated soon after the accident.
Officials from the Raichur Traffic Police Station reached the spot after receiving information about the incident and conducted an inspection. Police have registered a case and begun further proceedings.
The accident occurred as a large number of people had gathered for the Ganesh idol immersion procession. The sudden loss of control of the tractor resulted in the vehicle crashing into the crowd.
Police are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident, including the alleged error by the driver and whether any other factors contributed to the tractor losing control.
Further details are awaited as the investigation continues. Treatment of the injured is also underway.
