A devastating fire broke out at the Geeta Press Gorakhpur camp during the Maha Kumbh Mela, resulting in the destruction of 180 cottages. Krishna Kumar Khemka, a trustee of Geeta Press, spoke about the tragedy, detailing how the cottages were carefully built and precautions were taken to prevent accidents.
Details of the Incident
Khemka explained,
“About 180 cottages were built. And we had built them very carefully. Everyone had been forbidden to do any kind of fireworks. A circulating area was announced on the west side, where we have laid the boundary, where people would bathe in the Ganges.”
However, he added,
“I don’t know to whom the administration gave it. To whomsoever they gave it to, from that side, some of the fire came towards us. And then slowly, like a spark, all our cottages were burned. Nothing was left. Goods worth crores have been damaged. By the grace of God, no life was harmed.”
Injuries and Emergency Response
A person named Jaspreet was injured while trying to escape the fire. He suffered a leg injury and fell unconscious. Emergency medical assistance was provided, and Jaspreet was transferred to the Central Hospital for initial treatment before being sent to Swaroop Rani Medical College in Prayagraj for further care. Fortunately, his condition was stable and out of danger.
Cause of the Fire
According to sources from the Information department, the fire began around 4:10 PM due to a gas cylinder leak in the kitchen of the Geeta Press Gorakhpur camp, located between the old and new railway bridges.
The local fire service, along with Kalpvasis and police personnel, managed to control the blaze by 5:00 PM. However, the fire led to the explosion of two gas cylinders and caused the destruction of 40 thatched huts and six tents belonging to Shri Sanjeev Prayagwal.
Official Confirmation and Investigations
Vivek Chaturvedi, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of the Maha Kumbh Mela, confirmed that the fire damaged 70 to 80 huts and eight to ten tents at the Gita Press camp.
Police investigations are ongoing to determine further details about the incident and its cause.