Atleast six people has been confirmed dead, leaving seven others injured in a fire that broke out during a Hindu pilgrimage in Mauritius.
Police said a wooden and bamboo cart carrying effigies of deities caught fire after coming into contact with electric wires, the pilgrims were walking to Grand Bassin Lake, considered sacred by the island’s Hindu community, ahead of a religious festival on 8 March.
Reacting, Mauritius prime minister Pravind Jugnauth, conveyed his deep shock and condolences in the wake of the tragic incident.
The authorities are now urging all pilgrims to strictly adhere to safety instructions, particularly concerning the dimensions of the Kanwars which is a structure carried by pilgrims.
