Mon Jan 20 08:47:07 UTC 2025: ## Gita Press Kitchen Fire Leaves One Injured, Damages Tents and Cottages During Kumbh Mela
**Prayagraj, [Date]:** A fire broke out at the Gita Press kitchen during the Kumbh Mela, injuring one person and causing significant damage to nearby structures. The incident occurred when a gas cylinder leaked while tea was being prepared, resulting in an explosion that ignited a blaze.
The fire spread rapidly, destroying approximately 40 grass huts and six tents belonging to Sanjeev Prayagwal. Jaspreet, an individual present at the scene, sustained injuries to their leg while fleeing and was found unconscious. They were rushed to the Central Hospital in Maha Kumbh for treatment and later transferred to Swaroop Rani Medical College in Prayagraj for further care. Doctors have reported Jaspreet’s condition to be out of danger.
The fire also consumed daily necessities such as beds, cots, blankets, chairs, and tables from the damaged tents. Krishna Kumar Khemka, a trustee of Gita Press, stated that approximately 180 cottages were erected with careful precautions and strict instructions against open flames. He alleged that the fire originated from an unauthorized area beyond the designated Gita Press boundaries, leaving all their property destroyed. The Gita Press kitchen, described as a tin-roofed, permanent structure, was also affected.
The incident comes amidst strict instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to restrict such activities on days like Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami during the Maha Kumbh. An investigation into the cause of the fire and the allocation of the area where it originated is underway.
First Piper 