Two Ganesh devotees died and five were injured after a massive idol fell during a procession in Mumbai's Bhuleshwar. Minister Ashish Shelar called the incident 'distressing' and confirmed a police inquiry is underway to determine the cause.

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar on Sunday said the police were conducting an inquiry into the accident in which two Ganesh devotees lost their lives during an idol arrival procession in Mumbai's Bhuleshwar area.

Minister Calls Incident 'Deeply Distressing'

Calling the incident "deeply distressing and painful", Shelar said all details should emerge through the inquiry report and expressed hope for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Speaking to the reporters, Shelar said, "The nature of this accident is deeply distressing and painful. We welcome the arrival of Ganpati Bappa with great joy and enthusiasm. However, in this unfortunate incident, two of our Ganesh devotees have lost their lives. We pay our respects and offer prayers to the Almighty, hoping for a speedy recovery for those who were injured... The police are conducting an inquiry into the matter."

He also said instructions had been issued to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation to ensure the safety of routes used for Ganesh idol arrival and immersion processions.

"All the details should be revealed in the inquiry report... Instructions had been issued to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation to ensure the safety of the routes used for the arrival and immersion processions," he further said.

Two Dead, Five Injured in Procession Accident

Two people died, and five others were injured when a massive Ganesh idol of 'Bhuleshwaracha Raja' fell during its arrival procession in Mumbai's Bhuleshwar area on Saturday night, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred at around 9:51 pm on Saturday during the arrival ceremony of the Ganesh idol near Kabutarkhana at Jay Ambe Chowk in Bhuleshwar.

The incident was reported by C P Control, following which multiple agencies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, Traffic Police, 108 Emergency Ambulance Service and BMC ward staff, were mobilised to the spot.

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