Bahraich, Nov 03 (HS): A major accident occurred during a

mermaid show in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, late Monday night. The glass of a

water tank suddenly broke, injuring 15 people, including four children. The

injured were taken to the Central Health Center (CHC) in Fakharpur. Two

seriously injured children were referred to the medical college. The others

were discharged after first aid. The incident occurred in Khalidpur village,

Fakharpur. A mermaid show was being held at the Dada Mian Urs fair. According

to eyewitnesses, around 20 to 25 people were present to watch the show.

Children standing in front of the tank were struck by the glass, sustaining

head and facial injuries. The young woman portraying the mermaid was also

injured. The injured include Arsh (8), Burau (7), Ahad Khan (8), and Mohammad

Sadiq (9), all residents of Khalidpur village.

Salim Khan, a resident of Khalidpur village and an

eyewitness to the incident, said he had come to the Urs fair with his family.

They had bought a ticket for Rs. 50 to see the mermaid show. During the show,

the glass of the tank suddenly broke with a loud noise. Water and glass shards

poured out, creating a stampede-like situation. After the accident, the organizers

and caretakers fled the scene.

It was reported that the tank built for the show held

approximately 20,000 liters of water. Spectators watched the mermaid's feats

from inside the tank through a glass outside. ASP Ayush Vikram Singh stated

that 15 people were injured in the accident. The organizer and caretaker fled

the scene. The injured were treated at the Central Health Center. An FIR has

been filed against the organizer and a search has been launched.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi