LPG Blasts at Kumbh: Tents Gutted, PM Modi Calls Yogi Adityanath

You are currently viewing LPG Blasts at Kumbh: Tents Gutted, PM Modi Calls Yogi Adityanath

 

PRAYAGRAJ: A devastating fire engulfed a cluster of 40 huts and six tents at the Maha Kumbh site in Sector 19 on Sunday afternoon, sparked by a series of LPG cylinder explosions. The incident coincided with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s visit to Sangam to review preparations for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya, one of the most significant bathing days of the festival. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries to pilgrims were reported as fire safety teams acted swiftly to evacuate the approximately 25 people inside nearby camps, officials confirmed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reached out to CM Yogi Adityanath to express concern and inquire about the safety measures being taken. The fire, originating from a gas leak in the kitchen of the Gita Press camp at around 4:08 PM, was brought under control within an hour, with the area declared safe by 7 PM. The swift response involved the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and over 200 fire services personnel, supported by 45 fire engines, according to Aman Sharma, Deputy Director of Fire Services.

Eyewitness accounts described a terrifying sequence of events, with at least three cylinder blasts being heard before the flames rapidly spread. The thatched roofs of the tents further fueled the fire, creating thick plumes of smoke that enveloped the area. Panic gripped pilgrims and visitors as they scrambled to safety, but the prompt arrival of fire engines and senior officials helped calm the situation.

Chief Fire Officer RK Pandey noted that the fire’s intensity was exacerbated by flammable materials in the temporary structures. “The situation has been stabilized, and authorities are now assessing the extent of the losses,” said Pandey. Additional Director General of Police Bhanu Bhaskar added that preliminary investigations pointed to negligence in handling LPG cylinders as a possible cause.

The Gita Press camp, which publishes religious texts and holds significant spiritual importance, was among the worst-affected areas, along with several adjacent stalls. Many participants reported losing personal belongings, including cash, as the fire consumed their camps. “The fire department was alerted immediately, and within minutes, four fire engines reached the site,” said Sharma. A fire watchtower at Jhunsi also detected the smoke, aiding in the swift deployment of rescue teams.

The Maha Kumbh administration issued a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle: “Very sad! The fire incident at #MahaKumbh has shocked everyone. The administration is ensuring immediate relief and rescue operations. We pray to Maa Ganga for everyone’s safety.”

This year’s Maha Kumbh has already witnessed a massive turnout, with over 7.72 crore devotees taking a holy dip at Sangam since the festival began on January 13. Despite the tragedy, the resilience of the pilgrims and the quick response of authorities have ensured that the event continues without major disruptions. An estimated 47 lakh visitors congregated on Sunday alone, showcasing the spiritual significance of the event.

In the aftermath, the administration has announced plans to strengthen fire safety measures, including routine inspections of cooking setups and stricter guidelines for handling LPG cylinders. Temporary shelters will also be provided to those affected, while financial aid is being arranged for those who lost personal belongings.

Sadhu Ramnath Das, a participant at the festival, said, “The fire may have shaken us, but our faith in Maa Ganga remains unshaken. We are here for spiritual salvation, and no tragedy can deter us from completing our pilgrimage.”

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in managing an event of this scale, where millions gather in a small area. Authorities are now focused on ensuring that such incidents do not recur, as preparations continue for the remaining days of the 45-day festival.

 

Leave a Reply