A massive fire erupted at the ongoing Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal, reducing several temporary tents to ashes and sparking chaos among thousands of pilgrims. The incident occurred late evening at the sprawling fairground on Sagar Island, where devotees had gathered for the sacred Makar Sankranti dip in the Ganga.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as flames rapidly engulfed the makeshift structures housing food stalls, resting areas, and vendor shops. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky, visible from miles away, as frantic efforts by locals and fire tenders struggled to contain the blaze. While no immediate casualties have been reported, several people suffered minor injuries from the stampede that followed.
The fire, believed to have started from an electrical short circuit or unattended cooking stove, spread quickly due to the close proximity of the tents and highly inflammable materials used in their construction. Fire services from nearby stations rushed to the spot, deploying multiple vehicles to douse the flames, which raged for over two hours before being brought under control.
BJP leaders wasted no time in targeting the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, accusing it of criminal negligence in crowd management and safety protocols at the massive annual event. ‘This is a direct result of the TMC government’s utter disregard for pilgrim safety,’ thundered BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar. He demanded a high-level probe and immediate relief for the affected vendors who have lost their livelihoods overnight.
The Gangasagar Mela, one of India’s largest religious congregations, draws over 5 million pilgrims each year to witness the holy confluence of the Ganga and Bay of Bengal. Authorities have now ramped up security and fire safety measures, but the incident has cast a shadow over the festivities. Investigations are underway to ascertain the exact cause and prevent future mishaps.
