Hyderabad: Techie dies after streetlight pole falls on him during Ganesh idol procession at Nacharam

The deceased was identified as Bagudam Sathvik, a software employee from Karthikeya Nagar. The incident occurred around 3 am, as a 16-foot Ganesh idol from VST Colony was being transported to Kapra pond for immersion.

Idol entangles cable, pole falls

As the procession reached Nacharam X Roads, the idol’s top caught an internet cable tied to a nearby streetlight pole. The impact brought down the rain-weakened, rust-damaged pole.

Pole collapse proves fatal

Police said Satvik was riding his two-wheeler close to the road median when a rusted streetlight pole on the divider suddenly collapsed, trapping him underneath. He died on the spot due to the impact.

Riding on wrong side

Investigators noted that Satvik had been travelling on the wrong side of the road at the time of the incident.

Eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage

A tractor driver and several motorists witnessed the accident and immediately alerted the police. Officials later confirmed that the pole had severely rusted and weakened over time. The accident was also recorded on a nearby CCTV camera.

Official Statement

Pratima Shome, SE, Habsiguda TGSPDCL, said, “In the early hours today, a fatal non-departmental accident occurred on Habsiguda–Nacharam road. The lorry carrying the Ganesh idol moved close to the median, came in contact with cable wires and the LT AB cable of a streetlight maintained by GHMC, impacting two streetlight poles, one of which fell on a biker behind the idol.”

Ganesh celebrations marred by mishaps

The incident adds to a series of accidents during Ganesh festivities in Hyderabad, where electrocution and other mishaps have already claimed 10 lives this season. Authorities have urged organizers and devotees to exercise caution during immersion processions.