A massive fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj on Sunday evening following the explosion of two to three gas cylinders in the Sector 19 campsite area, officials said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reached the fire spot to assess the situation and review the emergency response measures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Yogi Adityanath, seeking information about the fire incident.
Several fire tenders already parked at the venue as a part of safety arrangements rushed to the site soon after the incident was reported and started rescue work. Local authorities, in coordination with police and fire departments, promptly initiated efforts and successfully doused the fire within a short period.
"Two-three cylinders exploded in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh Mela, causing a massive fire in the camps. The fire has been controlled. All people are safe, and no one has been injured," Prayagraj Zone ADG Bhanu Bhaskar told.
According to reports, flames broke out at the camp site, engulfing at least 18 tents installed in the area. A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also arrived at the scene to assist fire officials in dousing the blaze.
A video captured by a train passenger travelling over a nearby bridge showed massive flames engulfing the campsite, with several tents reduced to ashes in the fire.
People living in surrounding tents were evacuated for safety, officials said. No injuries or casualties have been reported.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak informed that a team of officials from the government and the health department are present at the site to extend assistance to saints and devotees at Maha Kumbh. "The government is also keeping a close watch on the entire incident. The situation is completely under control," he said in a post on X in Hindi.
The Maha Kumbh 2025 official X handle posted, "Very sad! The fire incident at #MahaKumbh has shocked everyone. The administration is ensuring immediate relief and rescue operations. We pray Maa Ganga for everyone's safety".
The grand Maha Kumbh 2025 began on January 13, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima. So far, over 7.72 crore devotees have participated in the sacred Hindu festival by taking the holy dip. According to officials, more than 46.95 lakh devotees did the 'snan' (holy dip) on Sunday itself.
Source: India Today