News Desk: At least 10 people, including five children, were injured after a fire broke out at a Durga Puja pandal during a Ramlila performance in Bihar’s Siwan district on Tuesday evening. The five children sustained severe burns and were referred to Patna for better medical treatment, police said on Wednesday.
The incident took place at Rasulpur village, under the jurisdiction of Barharia police station. According to Siwan Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni, all 10 injured people were initially taken to the nearest government hospital for treatment. However, considering the severity of their injuries, doctors referred the five children to Patna.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police Launch Investigation
Soon after receiving information about the fire, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Sadar-I, and the Barharia Station House Officer (SHO) reached the spot and inspected the site.
Police have formed a special team to investigate the incident and determine how the fire started. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has also been called to collect evidence from the scene.
Officials are working to establish the identities of all those injured in the incident. Police are also recording statements from the organisers of the event as part of the investigation.
Siwan SP Bharat Soni said further legal action was underway and that investigators were examining the circumstances that led to the fire.
Safety Concerns at Festive Gatherings
The incident has raised concerns about safety arrangements at temporary pandals and public gatherings during the festive season. Ramlila performances, which depict episodes from the Hindu epic Ramayana, often attract large audiences during Durga Puja and the wider festival period.
Fire safety arrangements, unobstructed exit routes and emergency response facilities are important at such venues to minimise risks to visitors.
The investigation is expected to establish the cause of the fire and determine whether any safety lapses contributed to the incident. Meanwhile, the injured are receiving medical attention, with the five children requiring specialised treatment in Patna.
Reader Comments 0