Six People Killed After Massive Blaze Disrupts Hindu Festival in Mauritius, EAM Extends Condolences

Six people died after a massive fire broke out during a religious ritual at a Mahashivratri celebration in Mauritius on Sunday.

As per the authorities, the blaze erupted when a wooden bamboo cart displaying figures of Hindu deities caught fire after coming in contact with exposed electric wires. Extended Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar expressed grief over the matter and extended condolences to the families of the victims. The region’s police commissioner Anil Kumar Dip confirmed the incident and stated that 6 people lost their lives in the tragic incident.

“Saddened to hear about the unfortunate tragedy that occurred during the Mahashivratri celebrations in Mauritius,” the External Affairs Minister wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. “Our condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Mauritius at this difficult time,” he added. the authorities also noted that seven others were injured in the Saturday incident.

As per the local media reports, the victim who lost their lives during the incident was part of a group participating in a religious ritual, journeying on foot towards the Grand Bassin Lake, a site sacred to Mauritius’s Hindu community. The main highlight of the Hindu festival is scheduled to take place on March 8 that draws thousands from across the island nation.