The festive atmosphere surrounding Ganesh celebrations took a sudden turn in Ananthashayanagudi village on the outskirts of Hosapete in Vijayanagara district after an electrical accident occurred during an idol procession.
The incident happened while a tractor was carrying the Ganesh idol. Bamboo material attached to the idol reportedly came into contact with an overhead electricity wire while the tractor was moving along the road. The contact caused a short circuit, following which the driver lost control of the vehicle.
The tractor carrying the idol then veered off the road and fell into a nearby canal. Two people who were travelling with the procession were caught in the accident and suffered injuries after receiving an electric shock.
The injured individuals have been identified as Hulugappa and Deepak, who are from the Kamalapur area. Both reportedly escaped a more serious outcome despite being exposed to the electrical incident and the subsequent tractor accident.
They were initially taken to the Hosapete taluk government hospital, where they received first aid. They were later shifted to the Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences for further treatment.
The accident occurred as Ganesh celebrations were being held across the state. Processions carrying idols are a common part of the festivities, with organisers and devotees moving decorated idols through local roads before immersion or other rituals.
Following the incident, senior police officials visited the location and inspected the circumstances surrounding the accident. Vijayanagara Superintendent of Police S Jhanavi, Hosapete Deputy Superintendent of Police Muralidhar and police inspectors Hulugappa and Gururaj Kattimani were among the officials who visited the spot.
A case has been registered at the Hosapete Rural Police Station, and further investigation is underway. Police are expected to examine how the bamboo structure came into contact with the power line and the circumstances that led to the tractor losing control.
The incident has also highlighted the need for extra caution when large idols and decorated structures are transported during festival processions. Overhead electrical wires can pose a serious risk when tall decorations, bamboo frames or other materials are carried through narrow roads.
Although the accident caused injuries, both people involved survived. The immediate medical response and shifting of the injured to a higher medical facility helped ensure that they received further treatment after the incident.
