The festive atmosphere surrounding Ganesh Chaturthi turned into grief for several families across Karnataka after a series of unrelated accidents claimed 12 lives in different parts of the state.
The incidents were reported in Belagavi, Mandya, Devanahalli and Kalaburagi. While some deaths occurred in road accidents, a devastating fire at a house in Belagavi also claimed four members of the same family. Several other people were injured in the incidents and are receiving medical treatment.
One of the most serious incidents occurred in Belagavi on Ganesh Chaturthi. A fire broke out at a house in Chavhan Galli, reportedly after a suspected short circuit. Four people died in the incident, while two others suffered injuries.
The fire reportedly broke out at night when the family members had gone to sleep after dinner. A refrigerator may have caught fire or exploded, causing the flames to spread rapidly through the house. The exact cause of the fire is being investigated.
The deceased were identified as Gajanan Rajaram Damone, 65, Roshan Gajanan Damone, 21, Sharada Damone, 45, and Bharati Rajaram Damone, 50. Priya Gajanan Damone, 28, and Ganga Gajanan Damone, 25, were injured and required medical attention.
Belagavi also witnessed another fatal incident involving three young men returning after watching a Ganesh procession. The accident took place on the outskirts of Saundatti when a KSRTC bus collided with their motorcycle.
According to the information available, the bus was travelling from Saundatti towards Dharwad when it collided with the bike travelling in the opposite direction. The three victims were residents of Saundatti. They were identified as Vinod Hogenavar, 22, Akash Jadhav, 20, and Ravi Kurubar, 22.
The tragedy was not limited to Belagavi. In Mandya district, a milk tanker collided with a scooter near Koppa village, resulting in the deaths of three people travelling on the two wheeler.
The victims were identified as Kavya, Muttaraj and Keerthana, residents of Koppa village. The crash occurred during the Ganesh festival, turning what was expected to be a day of celebration into a painful loss for their families. Police have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Another fatal accident was reported in Kalaburagi involving a young man who was travelling with friends to bring a Ganesh idol. The incident occurred on the flyover along the Heerapur Road.
Prashanth Biradar, 23, from the Kotonur area, was reportedly travelling on a motorcycle when contact between bikes caused the riders to fall onto the road. Prashanth and another person suffered serious head injuries.
Prashanth was taken to a private hospital for treatment, but he later died after his condition worsened. The other injured person continued to receive treatment. A case has been registered at Kalaburagi Traffic Police Station One.
Devanahalli in Bengaluru Rural district also witnessed a fatal road accident on National Highway 648 near Chapparkallu village. A Honda City reportedly crossed the road divider and collided with an Alto car.
Venkateshappa, 75, a resident of Shidlaghatta, who was travelling in the Alto, died in the accident. Three other occupants, identified as Muni Akkayyamma, Mala and Pavan Kumar, suffered serious injuries.
The injured were taken to a hospital in Doddaballapur for treatment. The accident falls under the jurisdiction of Vishwanathapura Police Station, where a case has been registered.
The series of incidents has cast a shadow over the Ganesh festival celebrations in several parts of Karnataka. Although the accidents occurred separately and involved different circumstances, the loss of 12 lives within a short period has caused widespread concern.
The incidents also highlight the need for greater caution during festival days, when roads can become busier because of processions and gatherings. Safe driving, careful movement around traffic and proper precautions at homes can help reduce avoidable risks during major celebrations.
For the affected families, however, the festival has ended with an irreparable loss. Investigations into the individual incidents are continuing as authorities work to establish the precise circumstances behind each accident.
