2006 Meerut Fire

2006 Meerut Fire

Coordinates: 28°59′N 77°42′E / 28.99°N 77.7°E / 28.99; 77.7 On April 10, 2006 at about 17:30 IST (12:00 UTC), a fire swept through a consumer electronics fair (Brand India Fair) in Victoria Park, Meerut, killing at least 100 people and injuring 150 others. The fire was said to have been caused by a short circuit. An estimated 2,000 people were at the fair when the fire broke out. The Consumer Trade Fair, where the fire broke out, was being organized by Brand India Consumers Forum and was jointly sponsored by the local Dainik Jagaran.

The fair was being held in 100 metres long air-conditioned tents with only one exit and one entry point, the latter covered with nylon. The organisers had not obtained a No-Objection Certificate from the fire department as required. The fire took place on the last day of the five-day fair and trapped at least 500 people within the venue. While one version said that the fire was caused by a short circuit, another account said that it began in a Chinese shop where noodles were being cooked.The fire was fuelled further by the bursting of cooking gas cylinders used by the makeshift eateries within the venue. In all, three giant tents were destroyed. The fire spread within five minutes and as there were only one entrance and one exit because of the air-conditioned hall, the children and women got trapped in it as the fire blazed rapidly. The army and the Rapid Action Force was called in to help with rescue efforts.