A fire at a food stall has brought Southall's annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan celebration to an abrupt end, leaving several people injured.
Thousands had gathered for the significant Sikh religious procession, which was due to begin at Park Avenue Gurdwara and culminate at Guru Nanak Road Gurdwara, marking the founding of the Khalsa Panth.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports that a gas canister had caught fire on South Road. At least four volunteers participating in the procession are among those injured. It is currently unclear how sever the injuries are however a video posted by organisers said they were not serious.
Well wished poured in on social media. Comments reads: "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected" and "Was stood like three shops away. Everyone ran for their lives. Praying for the people that were injured and grateful to be okay."
Ealing Council confirmed the incident on social media platform X, stating: "Following a fire at a food stall, people were injured and as a result a decision was made to stop the festival. The event, which was due to finish at 4pm, has been stopped. Please do not attend and avoid the area as crowds disperse."
Event organisers later posted on Instagram: "Southall Nagarkirtan has been cancelled due to a gas canister catching alight on south road today. A huge thank you th emergency services for handling the incident."
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