AGENCIES / Prayagraj (Allahabad)
A major fire broke out at the Kumbh Mela 2019 today in which several tents were gutted. It happened a day before the religious festival is to begin officially. The fire at the Ardh Kumbh Mela engulfed multiple tents and destroyed around a dozen of them.
Reports said the fire started in one of the tents at Digambar Ani Akhara near Digambar Ghat and quickly spread to other tents. Fire brigades and police were rushed to the spot to douse the fire and carry out rescue operations. A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was also at the site.
The fire was brought under control within a few minutes, firefighters told media. Local reports suggest a cylinder blast led to the fire.
Around 10 ambulances and an air ambulance were immediately sent to the spot. “No casualties have been reported so far,” Nodal Officer, Disaster Management, Dr Rishi Sahay told media.
“The fire has been contained and the area is being cleared now,” said a senior police officer present at the site. Fire engines and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are present at the site, making sure that the fire does not spread.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered the fire department to inspect all the camps. He has also asked the Mela administration to provide compensation for the tents destroyed in fire and ensure there is no repeat of the incident.
The Kumbh Mela is set to begin in Prayagraj, formerly called Allahabad, from January 15. Over 12 crore pilgrims are expected at the Kumbh Mela, described by the UNESCO as the the biggest “peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth.”