Blast of Gas Cylinders Triggers Fire at Mahakumbh Mela; No Injuries Reported
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Synopsis
A fire broke out at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, triggered by gas cylinder explosions. Rapid response teams managed to control the blaze quickly, preventing injuries. The incident raised concerns about safety at large events.
Key Takeaways
- Gas cylinder explosions caused a fire at Mahakumbh Mela.
- Efficient rescue operations prevented any casualties.
- Rapid deployment of fire brigade units helped control the blaze.
- Drone technology was used for real-time monitoring.
- Safety measures were reviewed following the incident.
Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan 19 (NationPress) A fire erupted due to the explosion of two gas cylinders within a tent at the Mahakumbh Mela site in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, causing significant chaos, confusion, and panic on Sunday. Fortunately, thanks to the prompt and effective rescue operations, the rapid spread of the fire was swiftly controlled, ensuring no casualties.
Reports indicate that the fire reduced multiple tents to ashes. The police confirmed that the incident occurred in Sector 19 of the Mahakumbh area, where the explosions took place. Fire trucks, stationed at the event as a precaution, promptly arrived and managed to extinguish the flames.
"Upon receiving reports of a fire in the kitchen of the Geeta Press Gorakhpur camp at approximately 4:10 p.m., the Fire Service, along with local Kalpavasis and police, extinguished the flames by around 5 p.m.," the statement noted.
The report specified that the fire was ignited due to a leak from a small cylinder while tea was being prepared.
"As a result of the fire, two gas cylinders in the kitchen exploded, leading to the destruction of 40 thatched huts and 6 tents. A person named Jaspreet suffered leg injuries while fleeing the blaze and lost consciousness. He was subsequently transported to a hospital for medical attention," it further added.
Jaspreet has been moved to Swaroop Rani Medical College in Prayagraj for ongoing treatment, and his condition is reported to be stable.
Due to the fire, essential items like beds, cots, blankets, chairs, and tables stored in the tents were destroyed.
Meanwhile, the Media Cell of Mahakumbh Prayagraj released a statement indicating: "All nearby fire brigade vehicles arrived at the scene within approximately 3 minutes, and within just 10 minutes, an additional 35 fire brigade vehicles were on-site."
The statement also noted that, with assistance from police personnel, the fire was brought under control in a short timeframe.
"Preliminary assessments suggest that nearly 100 tents could have been affected by this incident. Investigations indicated that the fire was caused by the explosion of a gas cylinder," the statement added, confirming that the situation is now stabilized.
"There are no reports of casualties, and we are currently gathering information about the tents involved in the fire," it continued.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to discuss the incident.
PM Modi and the Chief Minister also reviewed fire management protocols at the venue to avert any similar occurrences in the future.
As a preventive measure, individuals residing in adjacent tents were evacuated promptly as the fire began to spread.
Immediately following the outbreak of the fire, drones were deployed to assess the situation at the Mahakumbh Mela venue. They provided real-time aerial assessments, assisting authorities in monitoring the fire's spread and coordinating firefighting efforts efficiently, ensuring a rapid response and effective crisis management.
The official X handle of the Mahakumbh Mela expressed concern, stating: "This incident is deeply distressing. The fire incident at Maha Kumbh has left everyone shocked. The administration is ensuring immediate relief and rescue operations. We pray to Maa Ganga for everyone’s safety."
