A fire broke out early Saturday morning in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, engulfing two parked vehicles near the main road leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela. The incident caused panic among locals and devotees visiting the area. Thick black smoke billowed from the vehicles, prompting authorities to dispatch multiple fire tenders. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported.
Fire Officer Vishal Yadav confirmed, “We received information about a fire in a Maruti Ertiga at around 6:30 AM. Six fire brigades and water tenders were immediately deployed, and the fire was brought under control. Thankfully, no one was harmed.” He further added, “The Ertiga car is completely burnt, and a Hyundai Venue is partially damaged. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire might have been caused by extreme heat.”
This incident follows a similar fire on January 19 at the Kumbh Mela fairground in Sector 19, which gutted 18 tents, including those belonging to the renowned Gita Press.
District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar, speaking on the earlier fire, said, “The fire broke out at around 4:30 PM in Sector 19. It started in the tents of Gita Press and quickly spread to nearby camps, affecting a total of 10 tents. Firefighting teams acted swiftly, and no casualties were reported.”
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Fire broke out in 2 vehicles in Prayagraj. Several fire tenders at the spot to douse the fire. More details awaited pic.twitter.com/GsZmqphNBr
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2025
Concerns Over Fire Safety at Maha Kumbh Mela
Authorities are now investigating both incidents to determine their causes and assess the damage. While no injuries have been reported in either case, the consecutive fires have raised questions about the fire safety measures in place for the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, attracts thousands of devotees from across the country. Parking areas near the event have been heavily congested, with vehicles exposed to extreme weather conditions.
In light of these incidents, officials have urged attendees to follow safety protocols, avoid parking in overcrowded zones, and remain vigilant. The Prayagraj administration has announced a comprehensive review of fire safety protocols at the event to ensure the safety of participants and visitors.
