This visual is of the Ganesh idol being taken to the pandal. The idol fell just before reaching the pandal.
A 22-foot-tall Ganesh idol being brought from Byculla to Bhuleshwar in Mumbai collapsed about 50 metres before reaching the pandal. Two people were killed and five others were injured in the incident.
The accident took place at around 9:51 pm on August 22 near Jai Ambe Chowk on Balaram Merchant Road. Preliminary investigation found no major pothole on the road. The idol losing its balance is believed to have caused the accident. Police are investigating the matter.
Vehicle carrying the idol was removed after the accident
After the accident, the vehicle carrying the idol was moved back. The structure remained in the vehicle, the idol fell to the ground.
Both deceased were men, two children among the injured
The deceased have been identified as Sanket Nevse (33) and Brijesh Hemant Joshi (30). The injured include Vaibhav Ghenand (38), Pawan Chaurasia (25), Lavanya Ganer (5), Divya Ganer (7) and Kunal Kashid (26). All are undergoing treatment at a hospital and are said to be in stable condition.
Over 10,000 Ganesh pandals in Mumbai
Ganeshotsav will begin in Maharashtra on September 14 this year. Mumbai has around 10,600 public Ganesh mandals, but about 2,500 mandals have obtained permission for the 10-day festival. Around 28 lakh Ganesh idols are expected to be installed across Maharashtra.
Mumbai has introduced an online single-window system for pandal permissions. Through this system, NOCs from the BMC, local police and traffic police can also be obtained online. Applications can be submitted until September 13.
This year, major Ganesh mandals in Mumbai have prepared different themes. Andhericha Raja will have a replica of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, while some pandals have opted for superhero-themed decorations.
