One killed in Kumbh fire

Allahabad, Feb 15 (IANS) One person was killed and another injured as a fire swept through a cluster of tents at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, officials said Friday.

The fire broke out at the Mahanirvani Akhada late Thursday. One person was killed while one man received partial burn injuries, Allahabad Divisional Commissioner Devesh Chaturvedi told IANS.

Around 20 tents were gutted. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, he said.

This is the second fire in the sprawling Kumbh Mela premises. On Jan 25, 19 people were injured, six of them seriously, due to a fire in a camp area.

Friday, Basant Panchami, is the day of the third Shahi Snan (royal bath) when millions are expected to gather for a holy dip. On Feb 10, the second big bathing day, 36 people were killed when a stampede broke out in the railway station where 1.25 lakh jostled to get on to trains.

The Kumbh Mela began Jan 14 and would continue till March 10.

IANS 2013-02-15 11:10:02