Fire breaks out at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj after gas cylinder explosion

The blaze rapidly spread to 18 tents, reducing them to ashes.

Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries, authorities confirmed.

Fire trucks stationed at the venue as part of pre-emptive safety arrangements promptly rushed to the scene and extinguished the flames.

Residents of nearby tents were evacuated for their safety.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dispatched senior officials to the site to assess the situation.

"Two cylinders exploded in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh Mela, causing a massive fire in the camps. Firefighters doused the blaze," Bhaskar Mishra, in charge of Akhara police station, told PTI.

Expressing grief, the official X handle of the Maha Kumbh stated, "Very sad. The fire incident at Maha Kumbh has shocked everyone. The administration is ensuring immediate relief and rescue operations. We pray to Maa Ganga for everyone's safety."

The 45-day Maha Kumbh began on January 13, with over 7.72 crore devotees participating in the holy dip as of Saturday.

On Sunday alone, more than 46.95 lakh devotees took the snan (holy dip), officials noted.