Overview

• The blaze started around 8 p.m. on August 9 when cotton decorations ignited during the Saptarishi Aarti at Atma Vishweshwar Mahadev Temple
• Flames spread within seconds, triggering a stampede-like evacuation of about 30 worshippers, among them the temple priest
• Local residents, officers from Chowk Police Station and a bike-mounted fire engine from the fire brigade quickly intervened to douse the fire
• Seven devotees, two to three of whom were children, suffered serious burns and were treated at Kabir Chauraha Divisional Hospital
• Authorities have declared the blaze accidental and are reviewing decoration safety and crowd evacuation protocols for future ceremonies