A Ganesh idol being transported for festival preparations toppled during a sudden spell of heavy rain in Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Saturday evening, briefly trapping several people underneath. No serious injuries were reported.
The incident occurred in Nalasopara West as members of a local Ganeshotsav mandal moved the idol from an artisan’s workshop to their pandal ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. As the procession progressed, heavy rain and strong winds set in. Devotees gathered around the idol and attempted to cover it with a plastic tarpaulin to shield it from the weather.
During this effort, the trolley carrying the idol became unstable. The structure tilted and fell, triggering panic among those nearby. Four to five people were believed to have been trapped underneath for a short time. Local residents and fellow devotees immediately rushed to the scene and freed those caught under the idol.
A video of the moments after the fall has circulated on social media, showing the chaotic scene as people scrambled to help.
In a separate incident the same day in the Bhayander area of Thane district, another Ganesh idol tipped over while being transported from Navghar to a pandal in Bhayander West. The idol was damaged in the fall near Golden Nest Chowk, and a young man suffered injuries, according to eyewitness accounts.
Both mishaps took place just before the start of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The events highlight the challenges of moving large idols during unsettled weather and the need for careful handling during processions.