Prayagraj: A massive fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Sunday evening, leaving at least 40 thatched huts and six tents gutted in Sector 19 of the sprawling festival area. The incident, which occurred around 4:10 PM in the kitchen of the Geeta Press camp, sent shockwaves through the religious congregation. However, no major casualties were reported, with officials swiftly controlling the situation.
Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar confirmed,
“The fire has been extinguished, and there is no information about any casualty. The situation is under control.”
According to Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma, 15 fire tenders were deployed to combat the blaze, and all individuals in the affected area were safely evacuated. The fire was contained by 5:00 PM. Initial investigations revealed that a gas leak from a small cylinder used to prepare tea in the kitchen triggered the fire.
To prevent further escalation, the administration promptly removed all gas cylinders from the vicinity. One individual sustained minor injuries while fleeing the scene and has been admitted to Swaroop Medical College. Officials assured that his condition is stable.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Prayagraj, visited the site and assessed the damage. He later briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the incident.
The Maha Kumbh, a 45-day religious gathering expected to attract 40 crore pilgrims, began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26. Despite the incident, the event continues with over 1.6 lakh tents and 50,000 shops set up for the grand congregation.
Keep reading questiqa.in & questiqabharat for more updates.
