Gas cylinder explosion triggers massive fire at Maha Kumbh Mela in India
Police officers and volunteers salvage belongings of the devotees after a fire erupts in makeshift tents during the ongoing "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, January 19, 2025. Photo: Reuters
A massive fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in the Indian city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday evening after two to three gas cylinders exploded in the Sector 19 campsite area, local authorities reported.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and oversee emergency response efforts, whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to Yogi Adityanath for updates on the incident.
The explosion led to flames engulfing at least 18 tents in the area. However, fire tenders stationed at the venue as part of safety measures, along with local police and fire departments, swiftly responded and managed to control the blaze.
A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also assisted in extinguishing the fire.
Prayagraj Zone ADG Bhanu Bhaskar confirmed that no injuries or casualties were reported. “The fire has been controlled. All people are safe, and no one has been injured,” Bhaskar said. People residing in nearby tents were evacuated to ensure their safety.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak assured the public that a team of government and health officials was on-site providing assistance to the saints and devotees.
"The government is also keeping a close watch on the entire incident. The situation is completely under control," Pathak stated on social media.
The incident occurred during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13 and is expected to attract over 400 million people over the course of its six-week duration.
The event, held at the confluence of three sacred rivers – the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati – is considered the largest gathering of humanity in the world.