Fire breaks out again at Prayagraj Magh Mela, over 10 tents gutted
PTC Web Desk: For the second consecutive day, a fire incident was reported at the Prayagraj Magh Mela, triggering panic among pilgrims. On Wednesday evening, a sudden fire broke out at the Brahmashram Camp located on the lower road of Sector 4, engulfing at least two large camps and destroying more than 10 tents.
According to officials, strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly, while thick smoke rising from the site was visible from nearly five km away. Several Kalpvasis managed to escape in time, averting a major tragedy.
Fire brigade teams rushed to the spot and doused the flames using continuous water sprays. The entire area was immediately sealed to prevent the fire from spreading further. Rescue operations were initially carried out by police personnel and saints present at the camp, followed by the arrival of 10 fire tenders and 10 ambulances. Around 30 firefighters shifted people to safer locations.
Personal belongings of the Kalpvasis were completely reduced to ashes. However, officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident.
It is learnt the fire was caused by a lamp (diya) lit inside the camp. “The fire started due to a lamp and spread quickly after catching fire in straw and cloth tents. Thankfully, there were no injuries,” said a fire official.
This incident comes just a day after a similar fire broke out on Tuesday evening at the Narayan Shukla Dham Camp in Sector 5. That blaze destroyed 15 tents and 20 shops, leaving one Kalpvasi injured. Five fire tenders were deployed, and it took nearly one and a half hours to bring the fire under control. Officials had then attributed the cause to a short circuit.
Authorities have urged pilgrims and camp organisers to strictly follow fire safety norms during the ongoing Magh Mela.
- With inputs from agencies
