Fire Erupts During Torch Procession, Over 50 Injured, Including Women and Children
Khandwa: A fire broke out during a torch procession in Khandwa late Thursday night, leaving over 50 people injured. Among the injured were women and children, with burns on their faces and hands. Thirty people were taken to the district hospital, where 12 were admitted, while the rest were discharged after primary treatment. Upon receiving information, Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rai and other officials rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Later, they visited the hospital to assess the condition of the injured. A video of the entire incident has also surfaced.
According to reports, the Rashtrabhakt Veer Yuva Manch organized the torch procession under the leadership of Hindu nationalist leader Ashok Paliwal to gather public opinion against terrorism. The event took place Thursday evening at Barabam Chowk, marking the anniversary of a terrorist attack. The torch march was held to pay tribute to soldiers, lawyers, and bank employees who lost their lives in the attack. The event also featured Hyderabad MLA T. Raja and Supreme Court advocate Nazia Ilahi Khan as keynote speakers. Tributes were paid to the martyrs, their families were honored, and the march was conducted with a large gathering of women, children, and youth.
The torch procession began at 11 PM and was about to conclude at Ghantaghar Chowk around 11:30 PM when some torches tipped over while being placed. This caused the fire to flare up as the torches contained flammable materials like wood shavings and camphor dust. The sudden ignition affected over 50 people. It is reported that there were around 1,000 torches in the procession, of which approximately 200 were lit.
According to Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rai, “As participants reached Ghantaghar to place their torches in the container marking the procession’s conclusion, some torches fell over, igniting the chemicals and shavings. This caused a chain reaction, leading to multiple torches catching fire and burning people nearby.” Eyewitnesses reported that as the fire spread, the crowd holding torches began throwing them and fleeing. Women and children carrying torches fell on the road during the chaos. Police quickly took control of the situation to prevent further panic.
Videos of the incident show people running in panic as the fire spread, causing a stampede-like situation. The aftermath revealed a scene of chaos and distress as efforts were made to manage the injured and control the fire.