Maha Kumbh: One dead as bus carrying pilgrims catches fire in Vrindavan

An elderly person was killed as private bus carrying pilgrims from Telangana to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj caught fire on Tuesday evening in Vrindavan. The victim was identified as Dhrupati.

Authorities said they are investigating the cause of the fire that created chaos at a tourist facility in Vrindavan where the bus caught fire.

According to Additional SP City Arvind Kumar, the bus had around 50 pilgrims and arrived at the Vrindavan Tourist Centre on Tuesday evening.



The group was on its way to Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh later in the night. While some pilgrims ventured out to visit temples, others stayed back to prepare food.

During this time, sparks emerged from the bus, which quickly escalated to a massive fire. Police and fire services were alerted immediately.

One of the pilgrims raised an alarm and pointed out that Dhrupati, was still inside the bus. However, by the time fire teams arrived, the blaze had engulfed the vehicle, the elderly man was found dead.


A fellow passenger claimed that Dhrupati was smoking a beedi and chose to remain in the bus while others stepped out to visit temples.

He speculated that the fire might have started due to the lit beedi.

Senior police officials reached the site and are investigating the incident. The body has been sent for post-mortem, Kumar said.