On Sunday, a fire broke out in the Prayagraj Mahakumbh fair area, originating from the Akhil Bharatiya Dharma Sangh Geeta Press Gorakhpur camp in Sector-19, and quickly spread in all directions. Many tents and belongings were incinerated in the blaze. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Initial reports suggest that the fire started with a cylinder which led to multiple explosions. About eight to nine cylinders reportedly exploded. Fortunately, the fire brigade managed to bring the situation under control after extensive efforts.
Source: aajtak
Around 15 to 18 tents turned to ashes in the fire. Officer Bhaskar Mishra from the Akhada police station stated, 'A massive fire erupted in the Mahakumbh fair area in Sector 19 after explosions in two gas cylinders.'
CM Yogi Takes Cognizance of the Incident
District Magistrate of Prayagraj, Ravindra Kumar, informed ANI that the fire erupted at 4:30 PM in the Geeta Press tent in Sector 19. He confirmed, 'There are no reports of casualties, and the situation is under control.' Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, has acknowledged the fire incident at the Mahakumbh, and senior officials are reportedly present at the site.
Source: aajtak
A distressing post from Mahakumbh 2025's official handle on X expressed, 'Heartbreaking! The fire incident at Mahakumbh has shaken everyone. The administration is ensuring immediate relief and rescue operations. We pray to Mother Ganga for everyone's safety.'
Source: aajtak
Mahakumbh began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. Over 70 million pilgrims have already taken a dip in the Sangam Triveni by January 18. Officials reported that more than 4.695 million devotees took a holy dip on Sunday.
Source: aajtak
250 Tents Consumed by Flames
An eyewitness at the Mahakumbh fair claimed that around 250 tents were burnt to ashes. The flames reached considerable heights, engulfing a vast area and resulting in approximately 250 tents being destroyed.
Source: aajtak
Queries Raised by Samajwadi Party
Following the fire incident at Mahakumbh fair, the Samajwadi Party began questioning the Yogi government. A leader from the party remarked that they have been raising concerns about the preparations since the beginning. Devotees arriving find themselves under open skies, with no arrangements for drinking water.
