Hassan, Sept. 13 -- At least nine people have died after a tanker lorry crashed into a procession heading for the immersion of the Ganpati idol at Karnataka's Hassan district, stated an official.

"Yesterday, between 8 pm and 8:45 pm, a tanker lorry was found to have driven recklessly into a Ganpati immersion procession in Mosale Hosalli. 9 people died in this incident, and the driver was also injured. 6 villagers and 3 engineering students have died," IGP Boralingaiah told reporters here.

Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah expressed grief over the deaths and offered condolences to the families of the bereaved, and provided a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to each of the families.

"It is deeply saddening to learn news of several p...