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Fire Guts Temporary Shelters at Gangasagar Mela With No Injuries Reported

Investigators point to a likely short circuit as flammable huts plus coastal winds drove the blaze’s rapid spread.

Overview

  • An early-hours blaze near Bathing Ghat No. 2 on Sagardwip island gutted multiple shanties and tents used by pilgrims.
  • Firefighters deployed two engines, contained the flames after hours of work, and began cooling with checks for hidden pockets.
  • Temporary camps for police, voluntary groups, and the state information and cultural affairs department were destroyed, with local reports also citing damage to a media enclosure and a Bajrang Dal camp.
  • Preliminary findings indicate an electrical short circuit, with hogla or cane-grass construction and strong coastal winds accelerating the spread.
  • Officials reported zero casualties and noted response hurdles from the island’s remoteness as well as lighter footfall at the time.