Nawada: A major accident marred Republic Day celebrations in Bihar’s Nawada district when a school tableau caught fire in the vegetable market area of Warisaliganj municipal council. Five children sustained burn injuries in the incident, triggering panic among onlookers gathered for the national day event.
According to officials and eyewitnesses, the fire broke out while a tableau organised by a local school was passing through the crowded market area. One of the children suffered serious burns and was later referred to VIMS Hospital in Pawapuri for advanced treatment. Two other injured children are currently undergoing treatment at the Warisaliganj Community Health Centre, while the condition of the remaining children is reported to be stable.
Families of the injured children have alleged that the school management failed to take responsibility after the incident. They claim no immediate arrangements were made by the organisers to transport the injured children to hospital, forcing local residents to step in and rush them for medical care. The allegations have fuelled anger among parents and guardians.
Preliminary accounts suggest that petrol was being used as part of the tableau performance, raising serious questions about safety measures during public celebrations involving children. A lapse during the handling of the fuel is believed to have caused the fire.
Angered by the incident, families have demanded swift action after examining CCTV footage from the area. They have called on the district magistrate and the district education officer to order a thorough investigation and take strict action against those responsible, citing gross negligence and endangerment of children during a public event.
