UP: Fire broke out for 2nd consecutive day at Prayagraj Magh Mela-2026; towering flames, smoke visible from 5 km away; over 10 tents gutted
A fire broke out for the second consecutive day at the Prayagraj Magh Mela-2026 on Wednesday. The fire started suddenly on Wednesday evening at the Brahmashram camp. Strong winds caused the flames to engulf two large camps, destroying more than 10 tents. The pilgrims managed to escape to safety.
The Brahmashram camp is located on Lower Road in Sector 4. The towering flames and smoke were visible from nearly 5 km away. Fire brigade teams brought the fire under control by dousing it with water. The entire area was sealed off to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Police and sadhus (holy men) were the first to begin rescue efforts. Ten fire engines and ten ambulances then arrived at the scene. Thirty firefighters helped evacuate people to a safer location. The belongings of the pilgrims in the tents were reduced to ashes. No casualties have been reported.
Fire was caused by a diya
Fire officer Animesh Singh said: "The fire was caused by a lamp in the camp. The fire spread rapidly to the surrounding camps after igniting the straw and cloth. However, there were no casualties."
Earlier, on Tuesday evening, a fire broke out at the Narayan Shukla Dham camp. Fifteen tents and 20 shops were destroyed. One pilgrim sustained burn injuries.
The camp where this incident occurred is in Sector 5. Five fire engines arrived at the scene. The fire was extinguished after about an hour and a half of effort.