Ganesh idol collapse kills 2 in Mumbai, 5 injured

A 27-foot, nearly 2-tonne Ganesh idol collapsed during its arrival procession in Mumbai's Bhuleshwar area on Saturday night, killing two mandal members and injuring five others, including two children. The idol of Bhuleshwar Cha Raja fell about 300 metres from where it was to be installed, crushing Sanket Nevshe (33), president of the mandal, and Brijesh Hemant Joshi (30). Officials said around 800 to 1,000 people were present at the site, and the injured are stable.

The Times of India reports that L T Marg police have registered two accidental death cases and initiated a probe, with no FIR filed. Officials are investigating whether a blue decorative portion of the idol got entangled in an overhead wire, causing it to separate and fall, or if structural failure, welding issues, uneven weight distribution, or sudden movement were factors. A video showed the idol's garland gave way first. Former BMC corporator Atul Shah suggested the narrow lane may have compounded the tragedy, though the same route has been used for years.

OdishaTV reports the incident as a massive idol fall during a procession. State cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar urged mandals to strictly monitor the planks, wheels, and iron components used for idols, and directed the BMC to address road conditions within 24 hours. The funeral of Nevshe, a vegetable wholesaler, passed through the same lane where the accident occurred. Witnesses said a metal rod from the idol pierced Nevshe as he tried to prevent it from falling, possibly to protect children.