Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Feb 7: A joyous Saraswati Puja celebration turned tragic on Friday night when a massive 31-foot idol of Goddess Saraswati was reduced to ashes in a shocking fire incident. The grand statue, installed by the Radha Krishna Seva Samiti at Vidyapati Nagar, caught fire during its immersion procession at the Surya Mandir pond in Sidhgora, leaving devotees in disbelief.
How did the fire start?
Eyewitnesses report that the fire was triggered by a stray spark from fireworks being set off as part of the celebrations. “A young man lit a firecracker, and a spark landed directly on the idol. Within moments, the entire statue was engulfed in flames,” recalled a witness. Despite desperate attempts by devotees to douse the fire, the flames spread too quickly, leaving no chance of saving the idol.
Panic and chaos at the scene
As the fire erupted, chaos broke out among the devotees. While some ran for safety, others rushed to control the flames. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. However, the incident cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a moment of religious devotion and celebration.
Negligence or unpreparedness?
The sudden destruction of such a grand idol has raised serious questions about safety measures during religious festivals. Were adequate precautions taken to prevent such an incident? Should fireworks have been allowed near such a large idol? “It is crucial that organizers take greater precautions in future celebrations,” said a local resident.
Authorities and event organizers must now reassess safety protocols to ensure such incidents do not occur again. The administration is being urged to enforce stricter safety guidelines, especially regarding fireworks and fire hazards during large public events.
