1 killed as ledge collapses along Lalbaugcha Raja immersion route

One person was killed and at least four injured as a ledge-like structure on which several viewers were standing, collapsed during the Ganesh immersion procession of Lalbaugcha Raja in Central Mumbai today.

Meanwhile, several people were injured when a 12 feet idol collapsed during the immersion procession at Chinchpokli  bridge.

The procession of the famous Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh was underway, with viewers crowding the roadsides, when the mishap took place near Bharatmata Theatre, police said.

Excessive load must have caused the collapse, they said.

This is the first incident of mishap in the history of Lalbaugcha Raja procession.

Ashlesha Walunj, who suffered from 15 fractures in the right leg told DNA, "It happened suddenly, we are just waiting for Lalbuagcha Raja.  But don’t know suddenly the gallery collapsed."

Another victim Sayli More from Ghatkopar who suffered from 13 multiple bruise on face and neck told DNA, "I am perfectly fine. I really don’t know how the gallery collapsed."

While one person died, the injured have been taken to government-run KEM Hospital, said the civic authorities.

Dr ND Bhosle, Deputy Dean of KEM hospital said, "One person died. Rest of the patients are stable. Seniors doctors are present in the casualty ward." Services were not affected due to the resident doctors' strike.

Immersion processions have started around the city since morning, on the last day of Ganesh festival.

Some other people who suffered injuries are Pradeep Sonavane (28), Meenal Chavan (22)and Rajesh Mangode (27).

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Disaster Control, a 12 feet idol collapsed during the immersion procession at Chinchpokli bridge. The idol belongs to the Tejukaya Mansion Sarvajanik Ganeshoutsav Mandal