MP: 14 priests injured in shrine fire; gulal chemicals the trigger?

Ujjain: At least 14 priests including 'sevaks' were injured in a fire that broke out in the sanctum sanctorum of the Mahakal temple in Ujjain early Monday during the famous 'bhasma aarti' ritual, an official said.

The blaze started at 5:50 am as 'gulal' or coloured powder fell on the puja thali that contained burning camphor, Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh said.

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said the fire may have been caused by chemicals in 'gulal'.

Several people, including some VVIPs, were present in the Nandi Hall in front of the sanctum sanctorum when the fire incident occurred, but fortunately, devotees were not injured, according to officials.

Eight persons have suffered 35 to 40 per cent burn injuries, and the condition of one of them is serious. (PTI)