Girl killed; seven others hurt after tractor ran amok during Ganesh immersion procession in Dharmavaram
A nine-year-old girl was killed and seven others were injured when a tractor lost control during a Ganesh immersion procession in Dharmavaram. Local authorities have taken the driver into custody and the government has pledged to cover the medical expenses of the victims.
Why it matters
This incident highlights ongoing public safety concerns regarding crowd control and vehicle management during large-scale religious processions in India.
A nine-year-old girl was killed, and seven others were grievously hurt when a tractor ran amok and ploughed into the crowds during the Ganesh immersion procession in Dharmavaram of Sri Sathya Sai district on Friday (September 18, 2026) night.
Police identified the deceased as Varshita (9). The incident was reported at Sivanagar Bramhamgari Temple in the town. The injured were shifted to the area hospital.
“When the devotees were getting ready for the procession, the driver handling a tractor lost control on a narrow stretch and ran into the crowds, leading to the tragedy. The driver is being taken into custody, and the vehicle has been seized. A case has been registered,” a police official said.
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