Oversized Ganpati Idol Topples in Mumbai Parade, Killing Two and Injuring Five
Two people died and five were hurt when a 22-foot Ganpati statue collapsed during its night-time procession in Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar area.
Around 10 pm Saturday night, a towering 22-foot Ganpati idol collapsed while being carried through Dr Atmaram Merchant Road in Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar district, resulting in two fatalities and five injuries. The victims identified as Sanket Nevshe, president of the local Ganpati mandal, and 38-year-old Brijesh Hemant Joshi, died when the statue, reportedly unbalanced, toppled onto the procession. Authorities said the idol, en route from Lalbaug to Bhuleshwar for immersion, broke into three pieces, likely due to improper welding of its supporting frame.
Injured participants were transported to several hospitals: three to GT, two to JJ, and one each to Reliance and Saifee facilities. An accidental death report has been filed by DB Marg police, who are probing the circumstances. The mandal, celebrating its 63rd festival, had commissioned sculptor Aniket Desai to create the figure.
Why it matters
The incident underscores safety concerns and construction standards for large public religious events.
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