Officials reported on Monday that three children were among the five persons who died and 64 people who were injured when a fire broke out at a Durga Puja pandal here as a result of a halogen lamp overheating.
The pandal in Nathua village was hosting a digital show when a fire broke out on Sunday night, destroying the building to ashes. When the fire broke out, there were more than 300 individuals inside the pandal, mostly women and children.
According to District Magistrate (DM) Gaurang Rathi, the fire started on Sunday night around 9.30 p.m. when a halogen light at the pandal overheated and ignited an electric wire.
He claimed that the tent and the wooden scaffolding were quickly consumed by fire.
A special investigation team assembled by Additional Director General Ram Kumar determined the origin of the fire, he added.
The fire injured 67 individuals in all, and three of them, Ankush Soni (12), Jaya Devi (45), and Naveen (10), perished. A top official later reported that Harshvardhan, 8, and Arti Chaubey, 48, both passed away while receiving medical care.
Police Superintendent Anil Kumar said a FIR has been lodged at Aurai police station against members of the concerned puja samiti as negligence was found in organising the event.
The FIR was filed in accordance with Sections 304A of the Indian Penal Code (causing death by negligence), 337 of the Electricity Act (whoever causes harm to any person by performing any act in such a hasty or negligent manner as to endanger human life, etc.), 326 of the Indian Penal Code (voluntarily causing grievous harm by dangerous weapons or means), and Section 326 of the Indian Penal Code (supply and use of energy by non-licensees and others). According to a tweet from his office on Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences for the incident’s fatalities.
Officials have been ordered by Adityanath to make sure the injured receive the right care.
Later, the CM urged all Durga Puja committees hosting similar events in the state to adhere to electrical and fire safety regulations.
In a statement released here, Adityanath reportedly gave district administrations instructions to speak with the puja committees in respective areas and make sure safety regulations are being followed.
He stated that in light of the Bhadohi disaster, awareness campaigns concerning fire safety regulations had to be conducted because devotees’ safety comes first.
