A tragic fire at the Maha Kumbh Mela destroyed 180 cottages, with goods worth crores damaged, one person injured
A devastating fire at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has left hundreds of devotees and camp organisers in shock, as flames ravaged 180 cottages, damaging goods worth crores. The fire, which broke out at the Geeta Press Gorakhpur camp, was caused by a gas cylinder leak around 4:10 PM on January 20, 2025. Although the inferno caused significant property loss, authorities confirmed that no lives were lost, but one person was injured while attempting to escape the flames.
The camp, which had been constructed with care and attention to safety, included designated areas for bathing in the Ganges and had clear boundaries to prevent any incidents. Krishna Kumar Khemka, a trustee of Geeta Press Gorakhpur, expressed his disbelief at the rapid spread of the fire, which engulfed all their cottages and caused widespread damage. Despite taking precautions against fireworks and other hazards, the fire spread uncontrollably, destroying everything in its path.
The tragedy also caused severe damage to valuable goods stored in the cottages. Khemka reported that the property was worth crores, and although the loss is significant, he was relieved that no lives were lost. The injured individual, who sustained a leg injury while fleeing the flames, was immediately treated at the Central Hospital and later transferred to Swaroop Rani Medical College in Prayagraj for further care. Doctors confirmed that the man’s condition was stable and no longer critical.
Local fire services, assisted by Kalpvasis (pilgrims staying at the site) and police personnel, worked swiftly to control the blaze. By 5:00 PM, the flames had been subdued, but the damage had already been done. Witnesses reported hearing explosions as two gas cylinders within the camp exploded, intensifying the fire and causing further devastation. In total, around 40 thatched huts and six tents were destroyed, and approximately 70 to 80 huts and 8 to 10 tents were severely damaged.
Vivek Chaturvedi, the Additional District Magistrate for the Maha Kumbh Mela, confirmed the destruction, but investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and any lapses in safety protocols. Authorities are examining the gas cylinder leak and the subsequent explosion to understand how the situation escalated so quickly.
As the fire is brought under control, the incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers that can lurk in large gatherings, even those that are meant to celebrate spiritual unity. The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious festivals in India, is a time for thousands of pilgrims to come together in faith, but this fire has darkened what is typically a sacred occasion.
