Prayagraj witnessed a massive fire on Sunday during the ongoing Mahakumbh, as pandals in Sector 19, near the Shastri Bridge, were consumed by flames. Approximately 200 tents were impacted, with approximately 20 of them completely reduced to ashes.
Although no casualties were reported, the fire resulted in substantial damage to valuables, and several LPG cylinders exploded, worsening the situation. Initial reports indicate that the fire started from the tent belonging to Gita Press. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to inquire about the fire incident.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was attending the Mahakumbh, quickly visited the site to monitor the relief and rescue operations. The fire broke out at around 4:15 PM and was brought under control within 30 minutes. More than 50 fire tenders, equipped with advanced firefighting tools, were dispatched to extinguish the flames.
ADG Prayagraj Zone Bhanu Bhaskar stated in a press briefing that preliminary investigations suggest an LPG cylinder explosion as the likely cause of the fire. “No injuries to any pilgrims have been reported,” he confirmed, attributing the minimised damage to the prompt response of fire officials and local volunteers.
Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mander further said: “At 4:30 PM today, we received information about a fire in the Gita Press tent within the Kumbh area, Sector 19. Fire brigade and police teams quickly responded to the scene. In addition to the Gita Press tent, 10 Prayagwal tents were also destroyed. The fire has been extinguished, and the situation is now under control. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.”
Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure the safety of pilgrims and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.