2 new corporators among 8 injured during celebrations
Pune, Dec. 22 -- At least 10 people, including two newly elected corporators, sustained burn injuries in a fire incident during victory celebrations following declaration of municipal council election results in Jejuri.
The incident occurred in the afternoon when Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidates Swarup Khomane and Monika Ghadge were being felicitated after their win.
According to the police, lamps and camphor, along with firecrackers, were lit as part of a traditional 'aukshan' ritual. The presence of 'bhandara' (turmeric powder) in the vicinity led to a sudden flare-up when the camphor caught fire, resulting in burn injuries to those standing nearby. While the two corporators suffered burns, around eight others sustained minor injuries.
Local residents said that after the completion of vote counting, the winning candidates offered 'bhandara' near the steps of the fort temple in Jejuri to seek blessings. Firecrackers were also being burst at the time, and 'bhandara' was being thrown during the celebrations. Amid all this, the turmeric powder ignited, triggering a brief but intense fire.
The injured were immediately shifted to nearby private and government hospitals. Police said all injuries were minor in nature and the condition of those injured was stable.
Confirming the incident, Deepak Waghchaure, assistant police inspector at Jejuri police station, said the fire was reported during victory celebrations after the announcement of local body poll results. "The situation was promptly brought under control," he said....
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