Ujjain, March 25 (HBTV): In a tragic incident, as many as 14 people, including priests, got injured after a fire broke out in the 'garbhagriha' of Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain. According to the information, the incident occurred during 'bhasma aarti' on Monday.  The injured individuals were rushed to the District Hospital for treatment, the police said.

Priest Ashish Sharma said the incident occurred during the traditional Holi celebrations at the temple. "The fire spread in 'garbhagriha' due to gulaal. Priests of the temple got injured. We have rushed them to the hospital..." he said.

Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh confirmed the incident. He said a magisterial probe has been ordered into the incident.

“Thirteen priests suffered burn injuries and are being treated in the district hospital here. A magisterial probe has been ordered,” he told ANI.

According to eyewitnesses, 'gulal' was being thrown inside the sanctum sanctorum as part of the Holi celebration. Someone threw the coloured gulal on an earthen lamp. They believe chemicals inside gulal may have triggered the fire.

The chief priest of Bhasma Aarti, Sanjay Guru, is among those injured.

The condition of nine people is said to be critical. They have been referred to Indore.