Ganesh idol topples onto devotees during rain-hit procession in Maharashtra

A Ganesh idol being taken to a pandal ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi toppled onto devotees during a rain-hit procession in Maharashtra's Palghar district on Saturday evening, briefly trapping several people underneath.

The incident occurred in Nalasopara West as members of a Ganeshotsav mandal were transporting the idol from an artisan's workshop to their pandal. No serious injuries were reported.

According to reports, the incident took place in the Yashwant Gaurav area between 6 pm and 7 pm. Local residents and fellow devotees quickly intervened after the idol fell, helping those trapped underneath to safety. Four to five devotees were believed to have been caught under the idol, with reports saying they escaped with minor scrapes.

Heavy rain and winds destabilise idol trolley

The procession was under way when a sudden spell of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds struck the area. Devotees gathered around the idol and attempted to shield it from the downpour using a plastic tarpaulin.

During the effort, the trolley carrying the idol reportedly became unstable. The idol tilted and then fell on people standing nearby.

A video circulating on social media showed devotees attempting to cover the idol shortly before it toppled. The fall caused panic, but people at the scene immediately rushed to help those trapped beneath it.

Nalasopara police confirmed that there were no serious injuries. A local report said the idol itself remained safe after the incident and the procession resumed after the situation was brought under control.

The incident came as the India Meteorological Department had issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar for September 12 and 13, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph in isolated areas.

Ganesh idol damaged in separate Bhayander incident

A separate accident involving a Ganesh idol was reported in Bhayander in Thane district on Saturday.

The idol belonging to Sheetal Chhaya Mitra Mandal was being transported from Navghar to its pandal in Bhayander West when it lost balance near Golden Nest Chowk.

Unlike the Nalasopara incident, the idol was damaged in the fall. A young man who was standing nearby while taking photographs was also injured. Reports said he suffered a minor injury to his leg and was receiving treatment.

The incident was initially suspected to have been caused by a pothole on the road. However, an inspection reportedly found no such pothole, with the preliminary assessment pointing instead to the idol losing its balance.

Incidents raise safety concerns ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi

The two incidents occurred just ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, which begins on September 14 this year.

They come amid a series of recent accidents involving Ganesh idols being transported for the festival in Mumbai and surrounding areas.

Earlier this week, a 15-foot Ganesh idol being taken from Vidyavihar to Dharavi toppled near Sheetal Talao on LBS Road in Kurla West after the trolley carrying it reportedly lost balance while crossing a large speed breaker. Two people suffered minor injuries and were later discharged from hospital.

The incidents have also renewed concerns among Ganesh mandals over the condition of roads and the safety of idol transportation during arrival processions, particularly amid heavy rain and strong winds.