Six pilgrims, part of a religious ritual at a festival, lost their lives when a fire broke out on their way to Grand Bassin Lake in Mauritius, according to media reports.

The fire broke out when idols of the deities, which were carried on wooden carts, came into contact with exposed electric lines, which started the blaze, reported the media.

The fire also left seven people injured, and one of them is in serious condition, suggested media reports.

The festival was a part of Shivratri celebrations (Mar 8), where the local Hindus travel on foot to the Grand Bassin Lake, considered sacred by them.

India’s minister of external affairs, S Jaishankar expressed his grief on X, saying, “Saddened to hear about the unfortunate tragedy that occurred during the Mahashivratri celebrations in Mauritius.”

Indians in Mauritius

According to the Indian High Commission in Mauritius, 68% of the total population of the country consists of Indian-origin people. Even the National Day of Mauritius is celebrated on Mar 12, when the famous Dandi March of Mahatma Gandhi commenced.

Also read:

Actor Devoleena writes to PM Modi after her friend gets shot dead in US

Indian investigative journalist killed in New York fire

Indian-origin tech executive dies after assault outside US restaurant