Massive Fire at Maha Kumbh Destroys 40 Huts and 6 Tents; No Casualties Reported
A devastating fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, engulfing at least 40 huts and six tents in the early hours of the morning. The fire, which reportedly started in a cluster of temporary shelters near the banks of the Ganges, spread quickly due to the dry conditions and the flammable materials used to construct the tents and huts.
Despite the scale of the fire, authorities confirmed that no casualties have been reported. The situation was swiftly controlled by local firefighters, aided by a contingent of volunteers who were at the site to manage the large crowds attending the event. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, but early indications suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical fault or a discarded flame near one of the temporary structures.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), attracts millions of pilgrims from across India and the world. The event is a major spiritual gathering, where devotees come to bathe in the holy waters of the Ganges River to cleanse themselves of sins. The massive turnout and the temporary infrastructure set up for the event create unique challenges for safety and disaster management.
Local officials praised the quick response of the emergency services and volunteers, who managed to evacuate the area before the fire could cause any significant harm. “We are thankful that there have been no injuries or fatalities, and the fire was brought under control swiftly,” said a senior district official.
The fire, however, has raised concerns about the safety measures in place at the Kumbh Mela. The sprawling nature of the event and the sheer number of people in attendance pose significant challenges in terms of crowd management and infrastructure safety. Local authorities are now reviewing the safety protocols for the ongoing festival to ensure such incidents do not occur again.
The aftermath of the fire has left many pilgrims and vendors without shelter, but temporary relief camps have been set up to provide accommodation and medical assistance. The event organizers have promised to rebuild the affected areas promptly to ensure that the Mela continues smoothly.
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