Due to a cylinder blast. The fire rapidly spread, engulfing at least 20 tents in the vicinity. Emergency response teams, including fire brigades, quickly arrived to control the blaze. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. Authorities have been closely monitoring the situation amidst the ongoing religious event, which attracts millions of pilgrims. The incident highlights the ongoing safety challenges at such large-scale gatherings
On January 19, 2025, a devastating fire broke out in the Mahakumbh Mela area under Shastri Bridge, Prayagraj, during the ongoing religious gathering. The fire originated in Sector-19, reportedly due to a cylinder explosion while cooking. The blaze rapidly spread, destroying over 25 tents. Authorities swiftly dispatched 15-16 fire brigade vehicles, which worked tirelessly to control the fire. Despite the scale of the disaster, no casualties have been reported so far, though the destruction has been significant.
The fire reportedly escalated when cylinders within the tents began to explode, causing further panic. In total, 19 cylinders are reported to have exploded during the incident, sending shockwaves through the camp. The continuous cylinder blasts added to the chaos, sending plumes of smoke nearly 300 feet high. At the height of the fire, the flames were reported to reach as high as 30 feet, threatening to engulf the surrounding areas.
The fire caused a mass evacuation, with local authorities ensuring the safety of the pilgrims. Ambulances and emergency medical teams were stationed at nearby hospitals, including SRN Hospital and the central Mahakumbh hospital, on high alert. Ten doctors were urgently called in to deal with any potential casualties. Fortunately, despite the intensity of the blaze, no one was reported injured, thanks to swift evacuation and fire control measures.
The fire spread across a large area, impacting over 100 square meters, and the strong winds that day increased the risk of the flames spreading further. The fire reportedly started near the main road, close to a steel bridge, and was exacerbated by the wind, making firefighting efforts more challenging. In total, over 25 tents were reported to be destroyed, and the intense heat raised concerns about the spread of the fire to nearby structures. The fire brigade teams, equipped with several fire trucks, worked for over an hour before finally containing the fire.
As the situation unfolded, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was also at the Mahakumbh site, promptly visited the scene. He surveyed the area and gave necessary instructions to the local authorities. His immediate response helped coordinate relief efforts effectively. In addition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Chief Minister Yogi to gather information about the incident, offering his support for managing the aftermath.
The fire at the Mahakumbh site highlights the ongoing challenges of managing safety in large-scale religious gatherings. While quick action by the authorities and fire teams ensured no loss of life, the incident calls for better fire safety measures in such high-density areas. Given the huge turnout at the Mahakumbh, it remains crucial that authorities reassess safety protocols to avoid further incidents. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the site’s safety for the remaining duration of the event.
