PRAYAGRAJ: In a shocking incident at the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj, a massive fire broke out for the third time within just 48 hours, destroying a tent and leaving one young man in critical condition with severe burns. The blaze, which started from the sacred Akhand Jyoti, rapidly engulfed the temporary structure housing devotees near the sangam.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire ignited around late evening when strong winds fanned the flames from the continuously burning Akhand Jyoti, a symbolic eternal flame maintained during the holy fair. The tent, set up for pilgrims attending the religious congregations, was made of highly flammable materials, allowing the fire to spread with alarming speed. Chaos ensued as hundreds of devotees scrambled to safety, shouting warnings to neighboring tents.
Local fire tenders rushed to the spot and battled the inferno for over an hour before bringing it under control. One youth, identified as 24-year-old Rajesh Kumar from a nearby district, suffered 60% burns while attempting to douse the flames and rescue fellow campers. He has been rushed to the district hospital’s burn unit, where doctors describe his condition as critical. ‘The boy heroically tried to save others, but the fire was too intense,’ said a medical official.
This marks the third such fire incident at the Magh Mela grounds in the past two days, raising serious questions about safety protocols. Authorities had promised enhanced fire safety measures following the first two blazes, which were contained without casualties. Pilgrims are now demanding immediate installation of fire extinguishers, better spacing between tents, and round-the-clock monitoring near flame-lit areas.
The Magh Mela, one of India’s largest religious gatherings, draws millions to the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers every year. Officials from the Mela administration have launched an inquiry into the repeated fires, assuring stricter enforcement of safety norms. ‘We are deploying additional fire safety teams and conducting awareness drives,’ stated Mela Officer Sanjay Kumar. As the event continues, devotees pray for safer celebrations amid growing concerns over infrastructure preparedness.