Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 22 (HBTV): A fire that broke out at a camp during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj was allegedly caused by a cylinder blast, police said on Sunday.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Bhanu Bhaskar stated that emergency teams, including fire tenders, police personnel, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were promptly dispatched to the scene upon receiving information about the fire.

'We received information at 4.08 pm about a fire due to a cylinder blast in Sector 19. Acting swiftly, fire tenders, the fire administration, police, and SDRF teams arrived at the site and evacuated people,' ADGP Bhaskar said.

The fire was brought under control by 4.30 pm, and no casualties were reported. 'The situation is normal here,' Bhaskar added.

District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandhad also confirmed the incident, saying, 'Today, we received information about a fire at the Gita Press camp in Sector 19 of the Kumbh area. Fire brigade and police teams quickly reached the spot. Along with the Gita Press camp, fires were also reported in the tents of 10 Prayagwal, but these have been extinguished. There is no report of any loss of life.'

Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Maha Kumbh Mela, Vaibhav Krishna, stated that while there was no loss of life or injuries, property damage was reported, and a survey is underway to assess the extent. 'Our priority remains the evacuation and safety of people. Around 15 fire tenders were deployed. The fire was controlled by 4.30 pm. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also reviewed the situation, and all senior officials are present at the spot,' he said.

A witness confirmed that the fire, caused by a cylinder blast, has been successfully controlled.