A real tragedy for a group of pilgrims on their way to Grand Bassin. Six dead and seven injured, including a 16-year-old teenager, after the kanwar of a group of pilgrims from Triolet (Trikaal Sena) caught fire after colliding with a high-voltage cable at Arsenal. The bodies are taken to the SSRN for autopsy. Triolet’s 40-strong Trikaal Sena group was on its way to Grand Bassin for the Maha Shivaratree festival. Arriving near Ashram Rd, Calebasses, the kanwar in question hit a high-voltage power line which caught fire.
6 people from the resident Triolet died as follows:
- Mr. Nilesh MOOTIAH
- Mr. Abaye BOOJEEDHUR
- Mr Luvesh JAGDHUR
- Mr Keshav DOOMUN
- Mr Luvalesh SEEDOYAL
- Mr SOOBRAYEN alias Madras
Prime Minister reiterates call to devotees and pilgrims to follow National Task Force recommendations
Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said he learned of the incident and sad news while at a function. “I have learned that several people have died and others have been admitted to hospital for necessary treatment”, he said.
He added: “My first thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have died. It’s a tragedy, and I offer my sympathies, especially at a time when we’re heading to a very pious place like Grand Bassin to say prayers. It’s a pity that we’ve seen another incident. At this stage I don’t know all the circumstances of this incident. I am in communication with the police”.
The head of government appealed to all devotees and pilgrims converging on Grand Bassin and those returning, in particular those wearing kanwars, to take great precautions. Hence the importance of negotiations and recommendations with the country’s socio-cultural and religious organizations, but also safety for all.
The Head of Government reiterated his call to follow the recommendations of the National Task Force. “We have a duty to assume our responsibilities and respect discipline”, he said.
In a statement to Le Matinal Media, one of the leaders of the Hindutva Movement, Kunal Caullychurn, deplored the fact that such an incident had occurred in our country. “The leaders and members of the Hindutva Movement extend their deepest sympathies to the bereaved families following this incident in Arsenal”, he said, reiterating his appeal to pilgrims to take greater precautions on our roads.
We recall that a similar tragedy occurred last year at Mare-Longue when the kanwar of a group of Albion pilgrims collided with a high-voltage wire. Two pilgrims lost their lives.
The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Arsenal tragedy.
