The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal has offered financial support following the collapse of a large Ganesh idol during a procession in Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar area. The assistance includes ₹11 lakh for the Bhuleshwar Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal and ₹5 lakh each for the families of the two individuals who lost their lives in the incident.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday evening when a 22-foot-tall idol of Bhuleshwar Cha Raja fell during its arrival procession on Balaram Merchant Road. Two people were killed and nearly five others sustained injuries. The deceased were identified as Sanket Nevshe, secretary of the Bhuleshwar Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal, and Brijesh Joshi, an office-bearer of the same organisation.
Police investigations have indicated that a possible technical failure in the support system may have caused the collapse. The idol was being transported from a workshop in Byculla toward Bhuleshwar when the incident took place. Reports noted that the procession was approaching the pandal, with the idol approximately 50 to 100 feet away, when it suddenly fell from the crane. The injured were taken to Reliance Hospital, GT Hospital, and JJ Hospital for medical care.
Further inquiries have pointed to faulty welding as a potential factor. The structure was reportedly supported from behind by only a single metal piece. Eyewitness accounts and official assessments continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the failure.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has stated that it will inspect routes used for Ganesh idol processions across the city, with particular attention to road conditions and safety arrangements. The incident has cast a sombre note over the ongoing Ganeshotsav festivities and left many devotees deeply affected.
The financial assistance from the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal aims to support both the affected organisation and the families of those who died. Such gestures of solidarity among Ganeshotsav mandals are common during times of difficulty within the festival community. Authorities continue their probe to determine exact causes and prevent similar accidents in future processions.