Massive Fire at Maha Kumbh Due to Cylinder Blast; No Casualties Reported
In the heart of spiritual celebration, a massive fire erupted at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Sunday, January 19, 2025, due to a cylinder blast. This incident, occurring amidst the gathering of millions at this grand religious event, has left both attendees and authorities in shock.
The fire originated in Sector 19 when two gas cylinders exploded, rapidly engulfing several camps in flames. “Two cylinders exploded in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh Mela, causing a massive fire in the camps. Fire fighters are trying to douse the blaze,” confirmed Akhara Police Station In-charge Bhaskar Mishra to PTI.
Thankfully, despite the intensity of the blaze, there have been no reported casualties. Fire tenders quickly responded to the scene, managing to control the fire, although around 20-25 camps were reported to have been destroyed by the flames. ADG Bhanu Bhaskar stated, “The fire has been controlled. All people are safe, and no one has been injured. An investigation will be conducted.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath immediately took note of the situation, deploying senior officers to manage the aftermath and ensure safety measures. The official X handle of Maha Kumbh expressed grief over the incident, posting, “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,” alongside a video showing a dense cloud of smoke rising from the site.
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This unfortunate event took place as the Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13 and will continue until February 26, was in full swing. Over 77.2 million pilgrims had already taken the sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam by January 18, making this fire incident even more poignant in the context of the spiritual significance of the gathering.
The incident has sparked a wave of concern for safety at such large-scale events, with calls for stricter safety protocols and infrastructure checks. As the festival continues, authorities are expected to remain vigilant to prevent any further mishaps, ensuring the safety and well-being of all devotees.
