Key Points:
- Fire Origin: Blaze started in Akhil Bharatiya Dharma Sangh and Gita Press camps in Sector-19.
- Extent of Damage: Approximately 250 tents reduced to ashes; goods worth crores destroyed.
- No Casualties: Despite the intensity, no loss of life reported, thanks to timely evacuation.
- Cause Under Investigation: Initial reports suggest a possible external incendiary cause or a gas cylinder explosion.
- Emergency Response: Four NDRF teams and fire brigade personnel controlled the fire after hours of effort.
Prayagraj: A devastating fire engulfed the Maha Kumbh Mela area in Prayagraj on Sunday, wreaking havoc on the camps set up by the Akhil Bharatiya Dharma Sangh and Gita Press Gorakhpur in Sector-19. The fire, which reportedly started due to a spark that quickly escalated, destroyed nearly 250 tents and goods worth crores of rupees. However, there were no casualties, and all attendees were evacuated safely.
The Incident Unfolds
According to eyewitnesses, the fire originated in the boundary area near the Ganga’s bathing section, a designated circulation zone. Flames rapidly spread across the camp area, reducing everything in their path to ashes. The fire was so intense that it led to multiple gas cylinder explosions, adding to the chaos and destruction.
Krishna Kumar Khemkar, trustee of Gita Press, shared that 180 camps had been meticulously set up to accommodate attendees. “Despite all precautions, something incendiary seemed to have come from outside, sparking the fire,” he stated.
Precautionary Measures in Place
The camps, used by pilgrims and organizers, were built with strict safety measures. The kitchen, housed in a tin shed, was managed with caution. However, the fire’s ferocity led to eight to nine cylinders exploding, further fueling the flames.
“By God’s grace, there was no loss of life. However, everything else, including goods worth crores, has been completely destroyed,” Khemkar added.
Emergency Response and Eyewitness Accounts
An eyewitness described the harrowing scene, stating, “Flames rose rapidly, covering a vast area. People scrambled for safety as explosions echoed.” The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), led by DIG MK Sharma, along with fire brigade teams, worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control. “All teams present here worked together effectively to prevent any casualties,” Sharma said.
The fire brigade faced significant challenges due to the densely packed area and combustible materials present in the camps. Four NDRF teams were instrumental in curbing the spread of the fire.
Ongoing Investigations
While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, preliminary investigations point to either an external incendiary object or a gas cylinder malfunction. Officials are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the root cause and prevent such incidents in the future.
A Tragic Setback Amidst Faith
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a spiritual congregation attended by millions, has always been a symbol of devotion and unity. This tragic fire serves as a reminder of the importance of heightened safety measures during large-scale events.
As the cleanup and investigation continue, organizers and authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of devotees and the smooth functioning of the remaining events at the Maha Kumbh Mela.
