Massive Fire Erupts at Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj
A catastrophic fire broke out at the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj's Sector 19 on Sunday afternoon, destroying over 200 tents and sparking widespread panic. The fire reportedly started in the Geeta Press camp near the Udasin Akhada and quickly escalated due to exploding gas cylinders.
Local authorities confirmed that the fire originated while food was being prepared in one of the tents. While no casualties have been reported, one individual suffered burns and is receiving treatment at the Central Hospital in the Mela area.
Relief Efforts and Rescue Operations
Emergency services, including fire brigades, NDRF, and SDRF teams, were deployed to the site immediately. Rescue teams evacuated devotees and camp staff to safer locations.
- Injuries: Only one individual sustained burn injuries and was promptly admitted to the Central Hospital for treatment.
- Casualties: No loss of life has been reported.
- Cause of Fire: Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated from a cooking area, where flames reached nearby tents due to negligence.
Government Response
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the incident site to inspect the damage and coordinate relief efforts. CM Yogi directed officials to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of affected pilgrims and urged for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed concern over the incident and contacted CM Yogi to stay updated on the situation.
Political Reactions
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the handling of the incident, posting a video of the blaze on social media and raising questions about the preparedness of the Mahakumbh organizers.
Safety Measures Moving Forward
Following the incident, the district administration has reinforced fire safety protocols across all camps in the Mela area.
- Cooking Regulations: Cooking inside tents has been temporarily banned.
- Safety Audits: All tents are undergoing safety audits to prevent similar occurrences.
- Emergency Drills: Awareness campaigns and drills are being conducted to educate visitors and camp operators about fire safety.
Eyewitness Accounts
Videos circulating on social media showed towering flames and thick plumes of smoke rising from the camp. Witnesses described the panic as fire engulfed tents and gas cylinders exploded, intensifying the blaze.
Looking Ahead
With millions of devotees visiting the Kumbh Mela each year, ensuring their safety is paramount. The fire serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures at large public gatherings.
Stay tuned for further updates on this incident and its aftermath.