4 children injured as glass tank Bursts during ‘mermaid’ show at UP fair
New Delhi: Four children sustained injuries late on Monday night after a massive glass tank burst open during an underwater ‘Jalpari’ (mermaid) performance at a fair in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, the news agency Press Trust of India reported, citing local police.
The incident occurred during the Dada Miyan Urs gathering in Khalepur village, falling under the jurisdiction of the Fakharpur police station. According to investigators, a young woman dressed in costume was performing stunts inside the transparent structure while holding her breath. Between 20 and 25 spectators were gathered around the setup when the structure gave way under excessive water pressure.
Thousands of litres of water surged outward alongside sharp glass shards, injuring young onlookers standing near the enclosure.
Immediate medical aid and transfers
Emergency responders rushed the four injured children to the Fakharpur Community Health Centre shortly after the collapse. Medical staff discharged two of the victims after administering basic first aid for minor cuts.
However, the two children who sustained more severe injuries required advanced medical attention and were transferred to the Bahraich Medical College for specialised care, according to police officials.
Unauthorised attractions and police action
Addressing the incident, Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Ayush Vikram Singh stated that the event managers had secured clearance strictly for religious Urs rituals. In direct violation of the permitted terms, they had erected an entire commercial fair complete with swings, rides, and the mermaid stunt enclosure without administrative sanction.
Police have booked seven event organisers on charges including negligence and conducting unauthorised commercial operations. Four individuals have been taken into custody, and search teams are working to track down the remaining three suspects.
Following the mishap, local administrative authorities shut down every ride, stunt enclosure, and attraction on the premises, permitting only the sanctioned religious proceedings to carry on under monitoring.