One Person Injured in Fire Incident at Maha Kumbh Site

Fire breaks out at Mahakumbh Nagar

A fire broke out at an enclosure located in Sector 4 of Mahakumbh Nagar, causing panic and concern among attendees and officials. The incident occurred late at night on Thursday, with multiple fire tenders rushing to the scene around 11.30 pm.

Rescue and Medical Attention

One person with injuries was rescued from the fire and promptly sent to a medical facility in an ambulance close to midnight. The individual, later identified as Bihari Lal, 73, from Prayagraj district, sustained burn injuries on his hand and nose. Despite receiving medical aid, Lal appeared to be in a state of shock as he recounted the events leading up to the fire.

Containment and Investigation

The fire, which occurred near the Shastri Bridge, was successfully contained by the fire department personnel on duty. However, the nature and cause of the fire have yet to be officially confirmed. Chief Fire Officer of Mahakumbh Nagar, Pramod Sharma, described the incident as a fire in a ‘chholdari’ tent, resulting in injuries to one person.

Eyewitness Accounts and Recovery Efforts

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported seeing the injured individual crying in a corner of the enclosure before being rescued. The fire gutted several ‘chholdari’ tents in the area, with burnt articles and equipment scattered on the ground. Efforts to recover and treat those affected by the fire were ongoing, with some individuals reportedly sent to the hospital for further medical attention.

Significance of Mahakumbh

The Mahakumbh, a religious gathering held at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, attracts millions of devotees and pilgrims every twelve years. The 2025 Mahakumbh began on January 13 and concluded with the final auspicious ‘snan’ on Mahashivratri. Over 66 crore people participated in the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam during the event.

Continued Investigation and Safety Measures

As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety measures and adherence to fire regulations in large gatherings and events. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with such gatherings and the need for comprehensive safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.