Atleast 5 Killed and 65 Injured In UP Pandal Fire

Uttar Pradesh: At least five people were killed and 65 were injured in a fire at the Bhadohi Durga Puja Pandal in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday evening.

The incident occurred at around 9:30 PM when an aarti was being performed.

Around 150 people were in the pandal at the time of the incident.

Gaurang Rathi, the District Magistrate, along with other senior police officials soon arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue operations.

The DM confirmed that a 12-year-old boy, a 10-year-old boy, and a 45-year-old woman were killed in the incident last night while 2 more succumbed to injuries this morning.

“A 45-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy were killed in the mishap last night, while two children and a woman died at the hospital this morning,” Mr. Rathi was quoted saying.

The fire was started, reportedly, by a halogen lamp overheating.

“A halogen light at the pandal overheated, following which an electric wire caught fire at multiple points simultaneously. Soon the fire engulfed the wooden scaffolding and the tent,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has expressed his condolences for the departed souls. Adityanath has ordered the district administration officials to go to the hospital and ensure that the injured are treated properly, the CMO added.