Two people died and five others were injured after a 22-foot-tall Lord Ganesha idol collapsed during an arrival procession in the Bhuleshwar area of south Mumbai on Saturday night, officials said.
The incident occurred at around 9:51 pm near Balaram Merchant Road, close to Kabutarkhana at Jay Ambe Chowk in Bhuleshwar. The idol, popularly known as ‘Bhuleshwar Cha Raja’, was being transported from Byculla to Bhuleshwar when it suddenly toppled.
According to preliminary information, the idol fell around 50 to 60 metres before the designated pavilion. Officials said there were no potholes at the spot and that the collapse may have been caused by a loss of balance. The exact circumstances, however, are still being investigated.
Seven people were affected in the accident, according to hospital-wise information.
At GT Hospital, three people were brought in, with one declared dead. Reliance Hospital reported another death. One injured person was taken to Saifee Hospital, while two others were admitted to JJ Hospital.
Authorities were yet to release the identities of the deceased and provide detailed information about the condition of those injured.
Following the incident, several emergency agencies rushed to the area. Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, Mumbai Traffic Police, 108 ambulance services and BMC ward staff were deployed to assist the injured, secure the site and manage traffic and crowds.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the transportation and handling of large Ganesh idols during the festival, particularly in densely populated areas of Mumbai.
Mumbai has specific guidelines governing the immersion of Ganesh idols. Under the current arrangements, idols up to six feet in height, including those made of Plaster of Paris (POP), are required to be immersed in artificial ponds, while taller idols are generally required to be immersed in natural water bodies.
Large idols have been permitted in Mumbai under certain conditions. For their sea immersion, special arrangements, including dedicated rafts, are required.
The issue of large Ganesh idols has also been considered by the courts, with authorities encouraging the use of shadu clay and other environmentally safer materials.
The Bhuleshwar incident has brought renewed attention to the safety challenges involved in transporting and installing oversized idols, especially during crowded festival processions. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the collapse.