Fire breaks out for third time in 48 hours at Prayagraj Magh Mela, one youth seriously injured

Prayagraj (The Uttam Hindu): Another fire incident has been reported at the Magh Mela being held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. A camp located near the old railway line caught fire for the third time within 48 hours. The tent was completely gutted before the fire brigade could control the blaze. One person suffered serious burn injuries and has been admitted to SRN Hospital for treatment.

Magh Mela Chief Fire Officer Animesh Mishra said that at around 11:08 pm, information was received about a fire at a camp located near the old railway bridge at the crossing of Ganpati and Annapurna Marg. Fire brigade vehicles reached the spot within two minutes, and eight fire tenders were deployed. The fire was brought under control quickly.

He confirmed that one youth was injured in the incident and was shifted to the hospital. Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire may have been caused by an Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame) burning inside the tent, though the exact cause is still being examined.

Speaking to news agency IANS, camp in-charge Yogesh Mishra said an Akhand Jyoti was lit inside the tent and it appears the fire started because of it. At the time of the incident, his nephew was sleeping inside. By the time people nearby noticed, the tent had already caught fire. The youth was rescued and taken to the hospital.

Kalpavasi Shiv Devi Mishra said the reason behind the fire is still unknown. Someone informed the police about a fire in Sector Number Five. When the police arrived and broke open the door, they woke up suddenly. At that time, her sister and other family members were sleeping inside.

She said that when they came out, the surroundings were lit up due to the fire. She immediately woke everyone and asked them to leave the place. Although they managed to escape in time, everything inside the camp was later found completely burnt.