A cylinder blast sets seven camps on fire in 'Kumbh Mela'

Prayagraj: Just before a day, world's largest Kumbh Mela is scheduled to begin in Prayagraj, a cylinder blast in one of the temporary camps in Digambar Akhada, on Monday.

According to police officials, a cylinder blast started the fire and set ablazed twelve tents, setup for the mega event and a car parked near the tent, was also gutted in the fire.

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The incident triggered panic among pilgrims.

Five fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flames, no immediate reports of casualties were reported. Authorities have started an evacuation of the area.

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However, this incident took place despite the presence of elaborate security measures taken in view of the 55-day long Kumbh Mela, which begins on 15 January and will go on till 4 March.

The area of Kumbh fair had been increased from 1,700 acres to 3,200 acres to accommodate 130 million pilgrims, expected to participate in the festival, while Integrated security system had been put in place to handle lawlessness.

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