Teen Hit By Lightning During Ganpati Visarjan In Mumbai, Dead

On September 28, a 16-year-old boy who had come to watch the Ganpati immersion at Mumbai's Juhu Chowpatty on the last day of the festival lost his life due to a lightning strike. 

What Exactly Happened?

According to a report by The Indian Express, the young boy has been identified as Hasan Yusuf Shaikh, a resident of Vakola in Santacruz.

From the initial investigations, it was found that he had arrived alone to observe the Ganesh idol immersion event at the chowpatty. He did not have a Ganpati idol with him, nor was he part of any procession. While he was standing near the beach, he was struck by lightning and subsequently fell into the water.

According to the police, the incident occurred at approximately 4:30 pm. As per information provided by the civic authorities, the boy's body was recovered from Juhu Beach by Drishti Lifeguard officials. He was taken to Cooper Hospital in Andheri where he was declared dead upon arrival.

The police have stated that a lifeguard, stationed approximately 300 meters away from the boy, witnessed the incident. They have taken his statement as part of their investigation.

A case of accidental death was registered with the Santacruz police and the victim's parents were informed of the incident.

Mammoth Ganpati Visarajan

According to the BMC, by 6 pm, over 7,950 Ganapti idols had been immersed in water. These included 7,513 idols from households, 329 public or 'sarvajanik' idols, and 108 idols depicting goddess Gauri.

#WATCH | Celebrations at Lalbaughcha Raja on Ganpati Visarjan in Mumbai pic.twitter.com/8veGt3MTut

— ANI (@ANI) September 28, 2023

A total of 165,964 idols, encompassing both household idols, public or 'sarvajanik' idols, and idols of Goddess Gauri, were immersed in various water bodies in the city, including artificial ponds, by the seventh day of the festival.

According to information provided by the civic authorities, a total of 2,199 out of 7,950 idols were immersed in artificial ponds established by the municipal body. Among these 2,199 idols, there were 2,096 household idols, 63 public or 'sarvajanik' idols, and 40 depicting goddess Gauri.

The festival, which started on September 19 with 'Ganesh Chaturthi,' culminated with the immersion of idols in the Arabian Sea and other water bodies in the area.

Throughout the day, large gatherings amassed at different locations in the city to witness their beloved deity leave. Elaborately adorned idols of Lord Ganesh in various sizes and forms were removed from pandals for their ultimate procession. The event was marked by music, dance, and prayers.

Suggested Reading: Inside Priyanka Chopra's Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations With Malti