KKN Gurugram Desk | A massive fire broke out in Maha Kumbh Nagar in Prayagraj on Friday, causing panic among devotees and residents. The incident occurred at Sector 18, Shankaracharya Marg, inside the Maha Kumbh Mela Kshetra.
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Firefighters rushed to the scene to douse the flames. Officials confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far. However, authorities are on high alert to prevent further mishaps.
Thick Smoke Covers Maha Kumbh Area, Panic Among Devotees
As the fire spread, thick clouds of smoke engulfed the fairground, causing concern among nearby akhadas and pilgrims. Witnesses reported rising flames and heavy smoke, leading to temporary chaos in the area.
Inspector Yogesh Chaturvedi of Khak Chowk police station provided details of the incident, stating:
“A fire broke out at a camp near Tulsi Chauraha on Old GT Road. However, firefighters have successfully managed to bring the situation under control.”
Firefighters and Police Deployed for Rescue Operations
The fire department and police teams reached the scene promptly to control the fire. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the flames, preventing the situation from escalating further.
According to reports, the affected area has been cordoned off, and officials have urged visitors to maintain safe distances from the site.
Previous Fire Incident at Maha Kumbh Due to Cylinder Blast
This fire incident comes just a month after a major fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela due to an LPG cylinder explosion in Sector 19. That incident resulted in:
- One person sustaining injuries
- 18 tents being completely destroyed
- 15 fire tenders deployed to bring the fire under control within an hour
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Safety Measures
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Prayagraj to review Mauni Amavasya preparations, visited the site to assess the situation.
He instructed officials to implement stricter fire safety protocols to avoid such incidents in the future.
Eyewitness Accounts and Injured Victim’s Condition
During the fire, a devotee named Jaspreet fainted while trying to escape. He suffered a leg injury and was rushed to the Maha Kumbh Mela hospital.
Doctors at the hospital provided first aid, and he was later shifted to Swaruprani Medical College, Prayagraj for further treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
Pilgrims Capture Fire on Mobile Phones, Area Secured
The affected section of the Mela ground has been restricted for public entry. Many onlookers captured the massive fire and smoke on their mobile phones, spreading visuals across social media platforms.
Security personnel have intensified patrolling, ensuring that such incidents do not disrupt the Maha Kumbh Mela festivities.
Chief Fire Officer Confirms 15 Fire Tenders Were Deployed
According to Kumbh Mela Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma, 15 fire tenders were deployed to combat the fire. The fire engulfed multiple tents, causing significant property damage.
The Akhada Police Station In-charge Bhaskar Mishra further stated that the previous fire in Sector 19 was triggered by two LPG cylinder explosions. That incident led to widespread panic and multiple campfires.
Safety Measures Strengthened at Maha Kumbh Mela
In response to recent fire incidents, authorities have taken immediate safety measures at Maha Kumbh Mela:
- Fire safety drills are being conducted across various camps
- Fire extinguishers and emergency response teams are placed at strategic locations
- Strict fire safety guidelines have been issued for all camps
- Regular inspections of LPG cylinders and cooking facilities are underway
Authorities have warned camp organizers to follow strict fire safety norms, ensuring no flammable materials are stored carelessly.
Fire Accidents at Religious Gatherings: A Growing Concern
Large religious gatherings like Maha Kumbh Mela attract millions of devotees, making fire hazards a critical concern. In recent years, several fire incidents have been reported at major festivals, raising questions about safety protocols.
Experts suggest that:
- Temporary structures like tents should be fireproof
- Cooking inside camps must be strictly regulated
- Emergency response units must be placed at every sector
- Public awareness campaigns about fire safety should be conducted
With millions of pilgrims expected in the coming weeks, authorities are working round the clock to ensure the safety of visitors.
The fire at Maha Kumbh Nagar in Prayagraj has raised serious safety concerns. While no casualties have been reported, the incident highlights the need for stronger fire prevention measures.
With Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath personally monitoring the situation, fire safety enforcement has been strengthened across the Kumbh Mela grounds.
Authorities are urging camp organizers and devotees to remain cautious and strictly follow safety protocols to prevent any future fire outbreaks.
