A devastating fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Sunday, leading to significant damage as 50 tents were engulfed in flames. The blaze, caused by two LPG cylinder explosions, prompted immediate rescue efforts.
The fire erupted in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh Mela at around 4:30 PM, sending attendees into panic. Large flames and thick smoke filled the sky as the fire rapidly spread through the area.
Details of the Incident
Location and Cause
- Area: Sector 19, Gita Press Camp
- Trigger: Two LPG cylinders exploded
- Damage: 50 tents completely burned
According to Pramod Sharma, Chief Fire Officer for the Kumbh Mela, the fire started in the Gita Press tent and quickly spread to adjacent tents.
Response from Authorities
- Teams Deployed: 15 fire tenders, along with NDRF and SDRF personnel
- Action Taken: Firefighting teams worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and ensure public safety.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described chaotic scenes at the mela. "It felt like a series of firecrackers exploding, and flames were visible far and wide," shared one attendee. Many rushed to safety, fearing the fire would spread further.
Government and Administrative Actions
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally visited the site to review the damage and provide guidance to officials. He praised the quick response of the fire and rescue teams.
Statements from Key Officials
DM Prayagraj, Ravindra Kumar
"The fire began at 4:30 PM in Sector 19. Our teams acted swiftly. The fire has been extinguished, and a survey is underway to assess damages."
DIG Mahakumbh Mela, Vaibhav Krishan
"We have brought the situation under control. Thankfully, there are no reports of injuries or fatalities."
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked widespread concern. The Maha Kumbh 2025's official X account shared a heartfelt post:
"The fire incident at #MahaKumbh is deeply saddening. Authorities are ensuring quick relief and rescue. We pray for everyone’s safety."
Safety Measures and Lessons Learned
The fire has drawn attention to safety protocols at large gatherings like the Maha Kumbh Mela, which hosts millions of visitors. Authorities have pledged to implement stricter safety checks on equipment such as LPG cylinders to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Chronology of Events
Event | Details |
---|---|
Fire Breakout | Around 4:30 PM, Sector 19, Gita Press area |
Cause | LPG cylinder explosions |
Scale of Damage | 50 tents destroyed |
Response | 15 fire tenders, NDRF, SDRF, and local police deployed |
Casualties | None reported |
Current Situation | Fire extinguished; area secured |
Key Insights
- Prompt Action: Swift response by fire teams prevented further escalation.
- Casualty-Free Incident: No injuries or deaths were reported despite the scale of the fire.
- Need for Improved Safety: The event highlights the importance of preventive measures for large-scale public gatherings.
Conclusion
The fire at the Maha Kumbh Mela is a reminder of the vulnerabilities of such large-scale events. While no lives were lost, the damage underscores the urgency of stronger safety measures to safeguard attendees and infrastructure at future events.