Cylinder Blast at Maha Kumbh Mela Injures One and Triggers Fire Response

A significant fire erupted at the Maha Kumbh Mela on Sunday due to a cylinder explosion, injuring one person and consuming 18 tents in Sector 19, officials reported. Dense smoke filled the fairgrounds, causing panic among nearby akhadas. The blaze, which began around 4 pm, was controlled within an hour by 15 fire tenders.

Immediate Response and Control

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the site to assess the situation and instructed authorities to prevent future incidents. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Adityanath to inquire about the situation. A senior official stated that teams from SDRF, NDRF, and the fire department swiftly managed the blaze.

The fire originated at 4:10 pm in the kitchen of the Gita Press camp and was extinguished by 5 pm. It started when a small cylinder leaked during tea preparation, leading to two more gas cylinders exploding. Consequently, 40 straw huts and six other tents were destroyed.

Casualties and Damage

During the chaos, Jaspreet fainted and injured his leg while fleeing. He was initially treated at the Maha Kumbh Mela hospital before being transferred to Swaruprani Medical College in Prayagraj. His condition is stable. Items such as cots, blankets, and chairs were also lost in the fire.

Prayagraj Zone Additional DGP Bhanu Bhaskar confirmed that the fire is now under control and people have been evacuated. The situation has returned to normal, with losses being assessed. Bhaskar noted that while the thatched roofs burned, other structures remain intact.

Official Statements and Reactions

Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mander received reports of a tent fire at 4:30 pm in Sector 19, one of 24 sectors at the fairground. The fire spread to additional tents but was extinguished by fire brigade and police teams without any fatalities.

The affected area was cordoned off as spectators captured images of the flames with their phones. Samant Bharti, a seer present during the incident, described hearing explosions and witnessing people fleeing their camps in panic.

Urban Development Minister A K Sharma visited the site and confirmed that the fire was extinguished quickly. He instructed mela authorities to provide immediate assistance to those affected and review the incident's cause to prevent recurrence.

Kumbh Mela Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma stated that 15 fire tenders were deployed to contain the blaze affecting 18 tents. Akhada Police Station In-charge Bhaskar Mishra reported that two LPG cylinders exploded in Sector 19, sparking a large fire in the camps.

Public Reaction and Safety Measures

Following the incident, an official post on X expressed sadness over the event and assured ongoing relief efforts. A video clip showed thick black smoke rising from the scene. The Samajwadi Party also expressed sorrow on X, urging swift rescue operations.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 began on January 13 with Paush Purnima. Over 7.72 crore people have participated so far, with more than 46.95 lakh devotees taking a dip in Sangam on Sunday alone.

The incident highlights safety concerns at large gatherings like Maha Kumbh Mela. Authorities are urged to implement stricter measures to ensure visitor safety during such events.