Mahakumbh Fire 2025:A devastating fire broke out in the Mahakumbh Mela area at Sector-19, Prayagraj, on Sunday afternoon, causing widespread panic and chaos. The fire led to a series of gas cylinder explosions, engulfing over 300 bamboo cottages, and resulted in an estimated financial loss exceeding ₹2.5 crore. Despite the scale of the disaster, no fatalities were reported, though two individuals suffered minor burn injuries.
The Incident: A Rapid Spread of Fire
The fire reportedly began around 4 PM in a cottage belonging to Karpatri Dham, Varanasi. Within minutes, the flames spread to neighboring cottages, fueled by the highly flammable bamboo and straw structures. The strong winds further exacerbated the situation, allowing the fire to consume approximately 100 square meters of the mela area.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people running in panic as thick black smoke filled the air. Attempts by residents to control the fire using water proved futile due to the rapid spread.
Cylinder Explosions and Destruction
One of the most alarming aspects of the incident was the explosion of more than 10 LPG cylinders inside the cottages. These explosions intensified the fire, making it even more challenging for firefighters to bring the situation under control.
The fire destroyed:
- Over 300 bamboo cottages
- Five motorcycles
- Cash worth ₹5 lakh
The affected area included the camps of Karpatri Dham, Varanasi, and Gita Press, Gorakhpur, which housed numerous devotees and religious materials.
Emergency Response: Firefighters Contain the Blaze
Fifteen fire brigades were deployed to the site, and it took over an hour of rigorous efforts to contain the fire. However, the situation was complicated by the sandy terrain, which caused some fire trucks to get stuck. Despite the challenges, emergency personnel managed to prevent further escalation and ensured the safety of the majority of the people present.
Two individuals from Haryana and Siliguri who sustained burn injuries were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s Visit
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was already in the mela area inspecting arrangements and meeting saints, visited the site after the fire was brought under control. He instructed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and emphasized the importance of providing relief and rehabilitation to the affected individuals.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by three ministers and top administrative officials who assessed the damage and issued directives for relief measures.
Preliminary Findings and Official Statements
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. DIG Mahakumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, confirmed that there were no casualties and assured the public that the situation was under control.
Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mander stated, “The fire was reported around 4:30 PM in Sector-19. Firefighters and police teams promptly reached the spot. The situation is now under control, and no loss of life has been reported.”
Key Challenges Faced
- The flammable nature of the bamboo and straw structures, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly.
- High winds in the mela area that accelerated the flames.
- Inadequate access for fire trucks due to the sandy terrain.
Estimated Losses and Future Precautions
While the financial loss is estimated to exceed ₹2.5 crore, the incident has raised concerns about fire safety in such large gatherings. Officials have vowed to review safety measures, including:
- Prohibiting LPG cylinders in temporary structures.
- Improving access routes for emergency vehicles.
- Deploying more fire safety personnel in the mela area.
Conclusion
The Mahakumbh fire 2025 at Prayagraj has highlighted the need for stringent fire safety measures at large religious gatherings. Although no lives were lost, the financial and emotional toll on the affected individuals is immense. With Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s direct involvement, steps are expected to be taken to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.
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