Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh): A fire broke out in the Kumbh premises here on Monday, destroying a part of the tented area, officials said. But no loss of life was reported.
The fire erupted in Sector 13 of the sprawling Kumbh complex due to an explosion in a cooking gas cylinder at the ‘Digambar Akhada’ camp, an Uttar Pradesh government spokesman said.
“It was a minor fire and no casualties have been reported so far. The fire was caused by an accidental cylinder explosion,” Triloki Ram, Deputy Director at the Media Centre, told reporters, quoting Superintendent of Police Sangam Purnendu Singh.
However, thick black plumes of smoke could be seen rising into the sky for a brief period that caused panic among devotees.
In no time, as many as five fire tenders put out the blaze. Police personnel and soldiers have been deployed to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
The Kumbh 2019 starts on Tuesday. The mega religious, spiritual and cultural congregation attracts millions to the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna rivers and the mystical Saraswati.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered the fire department and officials in-charge of the event to inspect all the camps.
A government spokesman said Adityanath also directed the fire department to take all steps to ensure there was no repeat of Monday’s episode.
The Chief Minister has asked the Mela administration to provide compensation for the gutted tents and other items.