15-Foot Ganesh Idol Collapses in Kurla

A 15-foot Ganesh idol collapsed during an arrival procession near Sheetal Talav in Kurla West on Tuesday evening, causing panic among devotees and residents. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, although one person sustained minor injuries.

The idol, Prem Nagarcha Maharaja, belonged to the Om Shakti Foundation Ganesh Mandal from Prem Nagar in Dharavi. It had been prepared in Ghatkopar and was being transported to Dharavi in a grand procession.

According to the police, the incident occurred at around 6.45 pm when the trolley carrying the idol lost balance while crossing a speed breaker near Sheetal Talav. The idol toppled onto the road, injuring Santosh Jaiswal, who was near the trolley. Jaiswal was given first aid at Bhabha Hospital.

The incident caused a brief commotion among devotees and onlookers, but police personnel deployed for security immediately intervened and brought the situation under control. In view of religious sentiments and to prevent any untoward incident, police and the local administration coordinated with the organisers and the idol was subsequently immersed as per ritual in the nearby Sheetal Talav.

This incident comes days after a tragic accident during the arrival procession of the 22-foot ‘Bhuleshwarcha Raja’ in South Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar area, where two persons died and five others were injured.

The Bhuleshwar incident occurred on August 22, 2026, near Jai Ambe Chowk on Balaram Merchant Road, when the idol collapsed at around 10 pm. The victims were mandal president Sanket Nevse, 33, and Brijesh Joshi, 30.

The Kurla incident is a reminder of the importance of safety precautions during large processions and the need for proper planning and execution to prevent such accidents.

The immersion of the idol in Sheetal Talav was carried out smoothly, and the situation was brought under control. The police and local administration played a crucial role in preventing any further incidents and ensuring the safety of the devotees.

In the wake of these incidents, it is essential for the authorities to review the safety measures in place for such processions and take necessary steps to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of devotees and the need for proper planning and execution of large processions. It is a reminder that the safety of the people should be the top priority during such events.