Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: A major fire caused by a gas cylinder explosion broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on January 19, 2025, engulfing 18 tents in Sector 19. Thankfully, there were no casualties, though the blaze caused significant material damage.
Emergency response teams acted swiftly, with water tenders arriving at the scene within just seven minutes. The fire was completely extinguished in a remarkable 22 minutes, highlighting the efficiency of the local firefighting services.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in the city for “Mauni Amavasya” preparations, visited the site to assess the damage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to CM Adityanath to inquire about the incident and ensure prompt action.
In the aftermath of the fire, the Uttar Pradesh government issued a fire safety advisory to all camps at the Mela, urging quick fire reporting and raising awareness about emergency procedures to prevent future incidents.
Despite the fire, the Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, 2025, continues to proceed as scheduled. The event, which is expected to attract over 400 million visitors, remains one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, with pilgrims gathering at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
In response to the incident, authorities have ramped up safety measures across the event grounds. Over 60,000 personnel have been deployed, and more than 3,000 surveillance cameras are monitoring the Mela in real-time to ensure the safety and security of all attendees.
The prompt response to the fire showcases the strength and efficiency of emergency protocols in place, ensuring that millions attending the Maha Kumbh Mela can do so safely.
