Fire at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh: Accident or Negligence?

A major incident occurred at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela when a massive fire broke out in Sector 19. The rapidly spreading flames engulfed dozens of tents, causing panic among the attendees. However, authorities acted promptly and managed to control the fire, averting a bigger disaster.
Details of the Incident: Causes and Impact
The fire broke out on Sunday afternoon around 3:30 PM at Tulsi Marg, under the railway bridge in Sector 19, at the Vivekanand Sevati camp from Varanasi. Initial reports suggest that the fire was caused by a leaking gas cylinder. As the flames intensified, people rushed to remove other gas cylinders from nearby tents.
Within minutes, the fire had destroyed 20 to 25 tents. Loud explosions from bursting gas cylinders were also heard. Fire brigade teams quickly arrived at the scene, and the area was sealed off to prevent further damage.
Authorities’ Response and Current Situation
Four major fire engines and eight additional units were dispatched from the main fire camp to extinguish the blaze. The NDRF team also arrived at the scene, and the area was evacuated to ensure safety.
Senior officials, including DIG Vaibhav Krishna, reviewed the situation on-site. Ambulances and BSF teams were also called in. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported in the incident.
Chief Minister’s Visit and Control of the Situation
Just hours before the fire, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had conducted an aerial inspection of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Due to the swift action of the authorities, major damage was avoided, and the fire was brought under control.
Conclusion
The fire at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh was a terrifying experience for those present. However, the timely intervention by the administration prevented the situation from escalating further. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire, and steps are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.