50 dead in Meerut trade fair fire

       Meerut (UP): At least 50 people are feared to have died and over 60 injured when a major fire broke out at a trade fair in Meerut's Victoria Park this evening. According to witnesses, the fire, which started due to short circuit at around 6 pm., completely gutted three pandals where the brand consumer India show was on. More than two thousand people were present in the fair when the fire broke out. Injured have been admitted to the district hospital. The death toll is likely to increase, as some were injured severely. R.K. Vishwakarma, Director General of Police, Meerut Range, said that fire brigades were immediately rushed to the spot and started rescue operations. Chief Minister Mulayam Singh yadav has announced ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each for the family of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured. The State Government has also ordered a high- level probe in to the matter. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress party president Sonia Gandhi and several other political parties have expressed grief and heart-felt condolence on the tragic loss of lives at the fire.

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