Prayagraj (UP): A fire broke out early Saturday morning in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, 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 was seen rising from the vehicles, prompting authorities to dispatch several fire tenders to the scene. Firefighters managed to control the blaze without any casualties or injuries reported.
Fire Officer Vishal Yadav stated, “We received information about a fire in a Maruti Ertiga at around 6:30 AM. Six fire brigades and water tenders were deployed immediately, and the fire was brought under control. Thankfully, no one was harmed.”
“The Ertiga car is completely burnt, and a Hyundai Venue car is partially damaged. The fire likely started due to extreme heat,” he added while speaking to ANI news agency.
Massive Fire Reported In Mahakumbh Mela Camp Site Recently
This incident follows a similar fire earlier this week on January 19, when flames broke out at the Kumbh Mela fairground’s Sector 19. That blaze gutted 18 camps, including those belonging to Gita Press.
District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar shared details on the fire, saying, “The fire broke out at around 4:30 pm in Sector 19. It started in the tents of Gita Press and spread to nearby camps, affecting a total of 10 tents. Firefighting teams quickly controlled the situation, and no casualties were reported.”
Authorities are currently investigating both incidents to determine the causes and assess the extent of the damage. While no injuries were reported, the back-to-back fires have raised concerns about fire safety measures in place during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, which draws massive crowds from across the country.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings globally, with thousands of devotees travelling from far and wide to take part in the event. Parking areas near the venue have seen heavy congestion, with vehicles left exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Officials have urged attendees to follow safety protocols and avoid parking in overcrowded areas to prevent further mishaps. The Prayagraj administration is also reviewing fire safety protocols at the event to ensure the safety of participants and visitors.
