A sudden fire at a food stall brought Southall’s annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan celebration to an abrupt halt on Sunday, injuring several people. The blaze occurred on South Road as thousands had gathered to mark the founding of the Khalsa Panth, an important Sikh religious event.
Emergency crews, including the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and paramedics, rushed to the scene after reports that a gas canister caught fire at a food stall. The fire ignited shortly after the festival began near Park Avenue Gurdwara, the procession’s starting point before heading to Guru Nanak Road Gurdwara.
Eyewitnesses described panic as flames erupted, forcing crowds to “run for their lives.” One attendee said, “I was standing just a few shops away when I saw people fleeing. It was terrifying. I’m just grateful to be okay.”
At least four volunteers involved in the procession sustained injuries. Organisers confirmed that their conditions are not serious.
Ealing Council confirmed the incident on social media and announced the early cancellation of the festival. They stated, “Following a fire at a food stall, people were injured and, as a result, a decision was made to stop the festival. The event, due to finish at 4pm, has been cancelled. Please do not attend and avoid the area.”
The festival organisers posted on Instagram, expressing gratitude to emergency services for their swift response: “Southall Nagarkirtan has been cancelled due to a gas canister catching alight on South Road today. A huge thank you to the emergency services for handling the incident.”
The cancellation disappointed many attendees, but safety remains the priority. Social media has been filled with messages of support and prayers for those injured. One post read, “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by the fire. Grateful to emergency services for their quick response.”
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, focusing on whether the gas canister was handled and maintained safely. The London Fire Brigade has urged all festival vendors to strictly follow safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is a well-loved event in Southall, attracting thousands from the Sikh community and beyond to celebrate with music, prayers, and food stalls highlighting Vaisakhi’s cultural and spiritual importance. Event organisers are now working closely with local authorities to review safety measures and ensure future celebrations proceed safely.
An area around South Road remains cordoned off while firefighters and investigators secure the site. The public is advised to avoid the area to allow emergency teams to carry out their work. Those with information are encouraged to contact Ealing Council as investigations continue. Meanwhile, the injured are receiving treatment in local hospitals under careful monitoring.
Originally published by UKNIP.
