2 Violent Incidents Disrupt Pilgrimage Route, Policeman injured

A routine evening of traffic regulation took a dangerous turn for a police officer in Bonne-Terre when a driver, angered by a request to reverse his vehicle, brandished a sword and threatened violence.

The 34-year-old driver from Terre-Rouge allegedly swore at the constable before attempting to strike him with the weapon.

Thankfully, the officer managed to block the blow with his hand, though he sustained injuries in the action.

Pilgrims passing by intervened to assist the officer and apprehend the suspect, who attempted to flee the scene but was caught a short distance away.

Subsequent questioning revealed the attacker’s frustration at being stuck in traffic, leading to the outburst.

The assailant, who had reportedly visited Grand-Bassin before the incident, apologised for his actions and was taken into custody while the sword was confiscated as evidence.

In a separate incident on the same day, an accident in Mare-aux-Vacoas left two pilgrims injured after a 4×4 vehicle overturned.

The 38-year-old driver, en route to Grand-Bassin, explained to police that he hit a structure while overtaking a kanwar on the road, causing the vehicle to flip and resulting in the pilgrims falling onto the asphalt.

Emergency medical services attended to the injured pilgrims, ages 37 and 40, with one being hospitalised at Victoria Hospital for observation while the other was discharged that evening.

The driver, who tested negative for alcohol, is under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances of the accident.

Source: Le Mauricien