A celebratory victory procession in Jejuri, Pune district, turned into a nightmare when a fire, suspected to have been triggered by gas from a coloured spray, injured at least 16 people, including two newly elected NCP councillors. This prompted a police probe into possible safety lapses.
What began as a routine display of jubilation after municipal election results quickly devolved into chaos on the steps leading to the historic Jejuri fort.
Supporters of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had gathered with music, drums and ritual offerings to mark their candidates’ victory in the local polls.
Amid chants and cheers, some participants reportedly used gas-based coloured sprays and powders to amplify the festive mood, creating dense clouds of colour around the tightly packed crowd.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that, within moments, flames shot up from the midst of the revellers, engulfing those standing closest to the source of the spray.
Screams for help replaced the celebratory slogans as people rushed to douse the fire using water and cloth, while others tried to carry the injured away from the narrow steps.
Many victims sustained burns on their faces, arms and torsos, and some collapsed due to shock and suffocation caused by the sudden blaze and smoke.
Victims, Officials’ Statements And Immediate Response
Among the injured are two newly elected NCP councillors, identified in local reports as Monika Rahul Ghadge and Swarupa Khomne, as well as Ghadge’s husband and several party workers, women and youths who had joined the victory march.
At least a few of them are reported to have suffered serious burn injuries and are undergoing treatment in different hospitals in Pune district, where doctors are monitoring them for complications.
Families of the injured have spoken of shock and disbelief, pointing out that they had accompanied their loved ones simply to celebrate a democratic win, not expecting a life-threatening accident.
Police officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact trigger of the fire and whether flammable substances were used in violation of safety norms.
A senior officer from Pune rural police has stated that video footage circulating on social media, along with clips seized from local cameras, is being analysed to trace the sequence of events.
The officer also emphasised that action would be taken against those found negligent, adding that “ensuring proper safety during public celebrations is our top priority and any breach of norms will not be taken lightly.”
Local NCP leaders have expressed concern and sympathy for the injured, describing the incident as a “deeply unfortunate tragedy” that marred what should have been a moment of collective joy.
Party representatives have reportedly assured that they will support the medical treatment of the victims and cooperate fully with the authorities’ inquiry.
Residents of Jejuri, meanwhile, have called for immediate improvements in crowd management and restrictions on the use of combustible celebration materials in and around the fort precincts.
Safety Lapses, Background And Wider Concerns
The Jejuri shrine and fort complex is a prominent religious and cultural site in Maharashtra, known for large gatherings during festivals and for thanksgiving rituals after major life events, including election victories. In such locations, steep steps, narrow approaches and limited exit points can drastically worsen the impact of any fire or stampede, making strict regulation of materials and crowd size essential.
Preliminary observations from the scene indicate that the use of gas-based sprays and coloured powders in a crowded, partially enclosed space created conditions ripe for a flash fire, especially if there was any nearby ignition source like a spark, cigarette or electrical short.
Experts in fire safety and crowd management have repeatedly warned that aerosol sprays, party foam and finely dispersed powders can form highly flammable mixtures in the air. When combined with loud music, excitement and pushing crowds, these materials can make it harder for people to notice early signs of danger or escape quickly once a fire begins.
Recent guidelines issued by authorities emphasise the need for event organisers to assess fire hazards, ensure adequate exits and keep extinguishers and trained personnel on hand during mass gatherings; however, implementation often remains weak, particularly during political processions and spontaneous celebrations.
This incident in Jejuri adds to a worrying list of accidents at celebratory events – from stage collapses to fireworks mishaps – that highlight systemic gaps in planning and enforcement. While each case has its own specifics, the underlying themes are similar: crowded spaces, absence of clear emergency protocols, and a tendency to prioritise spectacle over safety.
In the wake of the Jejuri blaze, there are renewed calls for Maharashtra’s civic bodies, police and political parties to devise clear, enforceable rules for victory rallies, including bans or strict controls on flammable sprays and powders.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The tragedy at Jejuri underlines a painful paradox: citizens step out to celebrate democratic participation, only to be harmed by preventable hazards in the very spaces meant to reflect public joy.
Public representatives, party cadres, organisers and authorities share a collective responsibility to ensure that celebrations never compromise the safety and dignity of the people they claim to serve.
Establishing and following basic protocols – from crowd limits and emergency exits to restrictions on combustible materials – should be seen not as a burden but as an act of respect for citizens’ lives.
The Logical Indian believes that every such incident must lead to introspection, accountability and concrete reforms rather than momentary outrage and swift forgetfulness.
A culture of responsible celebration, rooted in empathy and care, can coexist with enthusiasm and victory, ensuring that no family has to pay for joy with grief.
