22-feet Ganesh idol collapses during Mumbai arrival ceremony, 2 killed, 5 injured
Two people were killed and five others injured after a 22-foot-tall Ganesh idol fell on devotees during the arrival ceremony of 'Bhuleshwaracha Raja' in south Mumbai late Friday night.
The incident took place around 10 pm on Balaram Merchant Road in the Bhuleshwar area, officials said.
Loose nuts, bolts suspected behind collapse
According to preliminary information, the massive idol fell after some nuts and bolts in its supporting frame reportedly became loose.
The Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, traffic police, 108 ambulance service and civic ward staff were immediately deployed at the spot following the incident.
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where doctors declared two of them dead.
TWO DEAD AFTER GANESH IDOL FALLS IN MUMBAI !!!
— Ravi Prakash Official (@raviprakash_rtv) August 23, 2026
A 22 foot Ganesh idol fell during arrival procession of Bhuleshwaracha Raja near Jay Ambe Chowk in Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar area on Saturday night.
2 people, Sanket Nevshe and Brijesh Hemant Joshi died. Five others, including two girls… pic.twitter.com/2OPj2uqmyt
The deceased have been identified as Sanket Nevshe, 33, and Brijesh Hemant Joshi, 30.
Five injured, including two children
The five injured victims were identified as Vaibhav Ghenand, 38, and Pawan Chaurasia, 25, who are undergoing treatment at GT Hospital.
Three others — Lavanya Ganer, 5, Divya Ganer, 7, and Kunal Kashid, 26 — are being treated at JJ Hospital.
Officials said all five injured people are currently in a stable condition.
Ganeshotsav celebrations underway across Maharashtra
The incident comes as preparations and celebrations for Ganeshotsav, one of Maharashtra's biggest festivals, are underway across Mumbai and other parts of the state.
During the festival, devotees bring Ganesh idols to homes and public pandals, with elaborate ceremonies held to mark their arrival.
Mumbai is known for its towering Ganesh idols. The city's tallest, 'Mumbaicha Raja', is reportedly around 45 to 47 feet tall.
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