Bhuleshwar Cha Raja Idol Collapse Kills 2, Injures 5

A tragic incident occurred in Mumbai's Bhuleshwar area on Saturday night, when the 22-foot-tall Bhuleshwar Cha Raja Ganesh idol collapsed during its arrival procession, claiming the lives of two people and injuring five others.

The incident took place around 9:50 pm near Kabutarkhana at Jay Ambe Chowk on Balaram Merchant Road in Bhuleshwar. The massive idol reportedly lost balance and collapsed on devotees, causing widespread panic.

The victims who lost their lives have been identified as Sanket Nevshe, the 33-year-old president of the Bhuleshwar Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, and Brijesh Hemant Joshi, 30. Five others, including two young girls, sustained injuries and were admitted to GT and JJ hospitals, where they are reportedly in stable condition.

Witnesses described the horrifying moments leading up to the collapse, stating that the idol had arrived from Thakurdwar and was nearing the pandal when devotees were asked to move aside. Amid loud drums and music, the idol suddenly toppled, triggering panic.

A video of the funeral procession of Sanket Nevshe has gone viral on social media, capturing the grief that has engulfed the Bhuleshwar community. The procession drew hundreds of mourners on Sunday, with women travelling in the vehicle carrying Nevshe's mortal remains seen in tears, while a large crowd followed the procession, paying their final respects.

The V.P. Road Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with a preliminary probe suggesting a possible technical failure in the idol's support mechanism during transportation. Officials are examining whether negligence or a nut-bolt failure may have contributed to the collapse.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. The Bhuleshwar Cha Raja Ganesh idol is a popular and iconic fixture in Mumbai's Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, and the tragedy has cast a pall over the festivities.

The BMC Disaster Management Cell has confirmed the details of the incident, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and precautions during large public events.

In the aftermath of the incident, the community has come together to support the families of the victims and to ensure that such a tragedy does not occur again in the future. The incident has also raised questions about the safety and security measures in place during large public events, and the need for stricter regulations and guidelines to prevent such accidents.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the police are working to determine the exact cause of the collapse. The community remains in shock and mourning, and the tragedy will likely have a lasting impact on the city's Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.