Ganesha immersion turns tragic, 10 dead in Junagadh

In two separate incidents, 10 persons lost their lives during Lord Ganesha immersion in Junagadh on Sunday.

In the first incident, around 80 to 90 people from Dolatpara area of Junagadh hired a truck and headed towards a river near Majevadi with two Ganesha idols for immersion. However, the truck turned turtle just three km away from Majevadi. According to eye witnesses, the driver lost control while taking a sharp turn and the truck turned thrice before falling into a 15-feet-deep gorge.

According to Junagadh police, seven persons, including two women and three children between the age group of 12 and 7, died on the spot after being crushed. After learning about the accident, commuters and villagers gathered near the spot and started the rescue operation. They admitted the 68 injured people to Junagadh Civil Hospital.

Cops are now searching for the truck driver, who fled from the spot after the incident. Further, many passengers travelling in the truck claimed that he was under the influence of alcohol.

Meanwhile, in the second incident, three youngsters from Junagadh drowned during Lord Ganesha immersion in Ozat River near Vanthali village, a few kilometers away from Junagadh city.

According to the police, six youngsters from Junagadh, including Niraj Jogadia, Nirav Vala and Pratik Gohil, went to take bath in Ozat River near Vanthali village.

While taking bath, the trio spotted an idol of Ganesha lying on the banks. With an attempt to immerse it properly, the three went deeper into the river with the idol. However, they started drowning after reaching a certain point.

When their friends saw them drowning, they called the police and their relatives. Subsequently, Junagadh fire brigade was also informed by the family members. Later during the night, rescue team found bodies of Vala and Jogadia. Gohil’s body is yet to be found.