A somber atmosphere enveloped Mauritius as a joyful Mahashivratri celebration turned into a scene of tragedy on Sunday. Six lives were lost, and seven others sustained injuries in a massive fire that erupted during a religious ritual. The incident occurred when a wooden bamboo cart, adorned with figures of Hindu deities, accidentally caught fire upon contact with exposed electric wires.
Authorities confirmed the heartbreaking news, attributing the blaze to the unfortunate collision between the decorative cart and the hazardous electrical infrastructure. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which unfolded amidst the fervent Mahashivratri festivities.
“Saddened to hear about the unfortunate tragedy that occurred during the Mahashivratri celebrations in Mauritius,” Minister Jaishankar expressed on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “Our condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Mauritius at this difficult time,” he added, reflecting the nation’s collective grief.
Saddened to hear about the unfortunate tragedy that occurred during the Mahashivratri celebrations in Mauritius.
Our condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Mauritius at this difficult time.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 4, 2024
The tragedy struck a chord across the island, prompting widespread mourning and solidarity among the community. In response, local authorities swiftly launched an investigation to determine the causes of the incident and implement preventive measures to avoid similar accidents in the future.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the devastating fire, there is a resounding call for enhanced safety protocols during public and religious events, particularly concerning electrical safety. The incident has sparked introspection within the community, urging stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of participants in future gatherings.
Reports indicate that the victims, aged between 18 to 20 years, were part of a group engaged in a religious procession towards the revered Grand Bassin Lake, a significant site for Mauritius’s Hindu community. Among the injured is a 16-year-old teenager currently in critical condition, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Tragically, this is not the first time Mauritius has witnessed such calamities during festive occasions. Last year, a similar tragedy unfolded in Mare-Longue, claiming two lives and underscoring the urgent need for stringent safety measures during celebrations.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the repercussions of the Mahashivratri tragedy, solidarity, compassion, and a commitment to preventing future accidents stand as guiding principles in the path towards healing and resilience.
Comments