Girl killed; seven others were injured after a tractor went berserk during a Ganesh procession in Dharmavaram

A police official taking a statement from an injured girl at the Dharmavaram Government Hospital in Sri Sathya Sai district on September 19, 2026. Photo: Special Arrangements.

A nine-year-old girl was killed and seven others were seriously injured when a tractor went on a rampage and plowed into crowds during a Ganesh procession at Dharmavaram in Sri Sathya Sai district on Friday night (September 18, 2026).

Police identified the dead as Varshita (9). The incident was reported at the Sivanagar Bramhamgari temple in the city. The injured were taken to a local hospital.

“When the devotees were preparing for the procession, the driver operating the tractor lost control on a narrow stretch and rammed into the crowds, leading to the tragedy. The driver has been arrested and the vehicle has been impounded. A case has been registered,” a police official said.

Immediately after the accident, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav urged the officials of the health department to provide quality medical care to the victims. Dharmavaram Constituency In-charge Minister Mr. Harish Babu rushed to the Government Hospital and spoke to the doctors and family members of the deceased.

Meanwhile, Minister Satya Kumar Yadav spoke to the family members over phone and expressed deep shock and anguish over the incident. He assured the family that the government would stand by them and provide all possible assistance. The minister further said that the cost of treating the injured will be borne by the government.

Published – 19 Sep 2026 11:46 IST