Fire during election celebrations in Maharashtra, 16 including two newly elected women councilors burnt to death

The celebration that started after the counting of votes for the Municipal Council elections in Jejuri in Pune district of Maharashtra turned into a terrible accident on Sunday. Workers celebrating victory in the Khandoba temple complex suddenly came under fire. In this accident, at least 16 people including two newly elected women councilors of the Nationalist Congress (NCP) were seriously burnt.

fire in warehouse

According to the information, after the counting of votes was completed at Malhar Natyagriha, the victorious candidate of NCP Ajit Pawar faction and his supporters reached the temple for darshan of Lord Khandoba. As per tradition, workers and devotees were celebrating the victory by blowing bhandara (turmeric-powder). During this time suddenly a fire broke out in the warehouse and it spread rapidly and came out in the form of an explosion.

Initial reports suggested that the turmeric powder used in Bhandara contained some highly flammable chemical components, due to which the fire spread rapidly. Eyewitnesses said that the people present there were frightened by the sound of the explosion and within a few seconds the entire complex was engulfed in smoke and fire.

Apart from two women councilors, many women and youth were included in the injured.

Apart from two women councilors, many women and youth are also included among the 16 people injured in the accident. The injured were immediately admitted to government and private hospitals in Jejuri. Preparations are being made to shift some seriously burnt people to big hospitals in Pune for further treatment.

Police reached the spot and started investigation. The investigating officers are collecting samples and other evidence from the warehouse to find out the cause of the fire. At the same time, the local administration and the temple committee cooperated in relief and rescue work.

What did the eyewitnesses say?

Eyewitnesses and local people say that the celebratory enthusiasm at the time of the accident was very high and the workers ignored safety precautions. Considering this incident as serious, officials have warned of adopting strict security measures in such events in future.

This accident has turned the joy of celebrating election victory in Jejuri into mourning. No death has been confirmed yet, but many people are seriously injured and their treatment is ongoing. Police said that the entire incident will be thoroughly investigated and strict action will be taken against the culprits.