A major fire broke out during “Maha Harathi for Bharat Mata” ritual performed as culmination of the Republic Day celebrations in Hussain Sagar lake in Hyderabad late on Sunday. Organisers set off fire works from two boats pressed into service for the purpose. Both the boats which caught fire, went up in flames within minutes and the men who occupied them were saved engaging a rescue boat. The blaze spread rapidly, reducing the boats to ashes. The Bharat Mata Foundation organised the event as part of The Republic day celebrations at the People’s Plaza Grounds on Necklace Road. Fifteen persons were said to be occupying the boats when the mishap took place. Two of them sustained burn injuries and they were admitted to hospital.
Mid-Lake fireworks fete ends in tragedy, big casualties avoided
