Uttar Pradesh / Varanasi : Horrific tragedy in Durga pandal, Eyes were looking for loved ones, screaming from pandal to hospital

A fire broke out in the Ekta Durga Puja pandal, located some distance away from Aurai Kotwali of Bhadohi, at around 8 pm on Sunday night during the aarti. In the accident, five including a boy Ankush Soni (12) and a woman Jayadevi (45) died and more than 64 people got burnt. Women and children are more among the burn victims. They were admitted to CHC and private hospitals. From here 37 people were referred to Varanasi. Of these, the condition of 20 is critical. DM-SP and other officers and fire brigade reached the spot as soon as the accident was reported. DM Gaurang Rathi and SP Dr. Anil Kumar kept monitoring the rescue work on the spot and giving necessary instructions. Later ADG Zone Ramkumar and Vindhyachal Commissioner Yogeshwar Ram Mishra also arrived. According to the DM, it is feared that the fire started due to short circuit. The fire brigade brought the fire under control within an hour. More than 150 people were present.

The pandal situated on the Aurai-Bhadohi road was beautifully decorated. On Sunday evening, more than 150 men and women were cheering by participating in the aarti here. A digital show was also going on in the pandal. At the same time, a fire broke out in the cave built in the pandal and spread rapidly.

As soon as the fire broke out, a large number of villagers also reached for help. 52 ambulances were deployed to take the injured to the hospital. The deceased Ankush was a resident of village Jethupur Aurai. A 45-year-old woman, Jayadevi, died while being brought to the Divisional Hospital in Varanasi. According to eyewitnesses, two other dead were a girl and a one-year-old child.

A four-member SIT has been formed to probe the accident. The team consists of Additional District Magistrate (Finance Revenue), Additional Superintendent of Police, XEN Highil and Fire Safety Officer. The cause of the incident and allegations of negligence will be investigated. Action will be taken against the guilty.

Ramkumar, ADG Zone Chief Minister took information
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took information about the accident from the District Magistrate and asked him to make arrangements for better treatment of the scorched people. The Chief Minister directed to carry out relief work on a war footing immediately after the accident.