Massive fire at Maha Kumbh, plumes of smoke emerge from tents in Prayagraj India

A massive fire broke out in the Maha Kumbh Mela area on Sunday due to a cylinder blast, police said, but there was no immediate news of any casualty.

“Two cylinders exploded in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh Mela, causing a massive fire in the camps. Fire fighters are trying to douse the blaze,” Akhara Police Station In-charge Bhaskar Mishra said.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 official X handle posted, “Very sad! The fire incident at #MahaKumbh has shocked everyone. The administration is ensuring immediate relief and rescue operations. We pray Maa Ganga for everyone's safety.”

It also shared a clip that showed a thick black column of smoke billowing out from the affected area.

Devotees have been evacuated from the affected area.

ADG Bhanu Bhaskar confirmed that the cylinder blast caused the fire in the camps. However, he also revealed that no one had been injured.

"Two-three cylinders exploded in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh Mela, causing a massive fire in the camps. The fire has been controlled. All people are safe, and no one has been injured. An investigation will be conducted," said ADG Bhaskar