UTTAR PRADESH: In Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, a Durga Puja pandal caught fire on Sunday night. As a result, three women and two children perished, and 64 people were injured.
The Durga Puja pandal in the Aurai Kotwal area of Bhadohi district is located about 280 km from the state capital of Lucknow.
Over 150 worshippers were present that evening when, according to Bhadohi DM Gaurang Rathi, an unexpected fire broke out. “At around 9 p.m., a fire broke out at the Durga Puja Pandal in Bhadohi since aarti was about to begin,” he said.
“Our top concern right now is caring for the injured. I’m in contact with the doctors in Varanasi,” he added.
As per the reports, around 150 people were present during the Durga Puja aarti when the fire broke out. 52 people were admitted to different hospitals. People with 30 to 40% burns were admitted to trauma centres.
Talking about the incident, Varanasi police commissioner A Satish Ganesh said, “Soon after getting information that the victims were being brought to BHU Trauma Center, we created a Green Corridor to ensure hassle-free transportation of the victims.”
According to him, around 64 people were admitted to hospitals on the same night, out of whom 22 suffered critical burn injuries and were taken to the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Trauma Centre in Varanasi.
Bhadohi Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar informed that the investigation is underway: “While a short circuit appears to be the main cause of the fire, we are waiting for a confirmation from our technical team, which is investigating the case.”
Also Read: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Set Regulations amid Durga Puja Celebration
