Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – A fire broke out in two parked vehicles near the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela venue in Prayagraj on Saturday morning, causing a momentary scare. However, swift action by the fire department prevented the incident from escalating, with no injuries reported. This incident comes just a week after a separate fire incident at the Mela grounds, raising concerns about safety measures at the massive gathering.
Incident Details:
The fire erupted at approximately 6:30 am on the main road leading to the Mahakumbh Mela area. The blaze initially engulfed a Maruti Ertiga car and quickly spread to another vehicle parked nearby. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, though initial reports suggest that the extreme heat due to the large number of parked vehicles in the area may have been a contributing factor.
Upon receiving the distress call, the fire department immediately dispatched six fire brigades and water tenders to the scene. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the blaze, successfully preventing it from spreading to other vehicles or nearby structures. The fire was brought under control relatively quickly, minimizing the damage.
No Injuries Reported:
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The vehicles were unoccupied at the time of the fire, and the prompt response by the fire department ensured that no bystanders were harmed.
Second Fire Incident in a Week:
This is the second fire incident to occur in or near the Mahakumbh Mela venue within a week. On January 19, a fire broke out at the Gita Press camp within the Mela grounds, reportedly caused by a cylinder explosion. That incident resulted in the destruction of approximately 70 to 80 huts and 10 tents.
These back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about the fire safety measures in place at the Mahakumbh Mela, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Millions of devotees are expected to visit the Mela over its duration, making safety a paramount concern.
Authorities Respond:
Following the January 19 fire, authorities had already initiated a review of safety protocols and intensified inspections to prevent further incidents. The latest fire incident will likely further accelerate these efforts.
Uttar Pradesh fire services officer Vishal Yadav stated that the department is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of devotees and prevent future fire incidents. He also reiterated the importance of public awareness and cooperation in maintaining safety at large gatherings.
Mahakumbh Mela: A Massive Undertaking:
The Mahakumbh Mela is a massive logistical undertaking, attracting millions of pilgrims who gather to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. The sheer scale of the event presents numerous challenges, including ensuring safety and security for all attendees.
Authorities have deployed a large number of security personnel, including police and paramilitary forces, to manage the crowds and maintain order. Fire safety is also a crucial aspect of the overall security plan, with fire tenders and personnel stationed at strategic locations throughout the Mela area.
Moving Forward:
The recent fire incidents serve as a reminder of the ever-present need for vigilance and preparedness at large gatherings. Authorities are expected to further strengthen safety measures and conduct thorough investigations to determine the exact causes of the fires.
In the meantime, the Mahakumbh Mela continues, with devotees continuing to arrive and participate in the various rituals and ceremonies. The authorities are working diligently to ensure that the event proceeds smoothly and safely for all.
