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Second Man Dies After Scaffolding Collapse at Upper Dagotière Temple
Ravi Shankar Shah, 36, died in hospital eight days after a scaffolding structure collapsed at a place of worship, raising the death toll to two.
By MauritiusNews Editorialabout 2 hours ago👁 0 views
A scaffolding accident at a place of worship in Upper Dagotière, a village in the centre of Mauritius, has now claimed two lives after the second victim succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Ravi Shankar Shah, a 36-year-old Indian national, died on Tuesday, 6 October, at SAJ Hospital (Sir Anerood Jugnauth Hospital, located in Pamplemousses) — eight days after the accident that left him fighting for his life in intensive care. Medical examiners attributed his death to septicaemia, a life-threatening infection that can develop following severe trauma.
**What happened?**
On 29 September, Shah and Seemran Cooshna, 39, were volunteering at the religious site, carrying out cleaning work. The two men were on a metal scaffolding structure when part of it suddenly gave way, sending both men plummeting to the ground.
Cooshna did not survive the fall. He died at the scene from his injuries on 29 September. Shah was rushed to hospital in critical condition, but despite medical efforts, he passed away a week later.
**Legal proceedings underway**
Police launched an investigation immediately after the incident. The person responsible for the premises was arrested shortly after the collapse and brought before the courts on a provisional charge of involuntary manslaughter (homicide involontaire under Mauritian law — the equivalent of gross negligence causing death). He was subsequently released on bail last Thursday after providing surety.
The investigation is ongoing. With the death toll now standing at two, authorities may review or upgrade the charges against the accused.
**What this means**
This tragedy highlights the risks associated with scaffolding and temporary structures used during maintenance or renovation work — even in volunteer settings. Under Mauritian law, the person responsible for a premises can be held criminally liable if unsafe conditions lead to death or injury, regardless of whether victims were paid workers or volunteers.
The families of both victims — one Mauritian, one a foreign national — now face the additional burden of navigating legal proceedings while grieving. For Indian nationals working or volunteering in Mauritius, consular support from the Indian High Commission may be available.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the scaffolding collapse at Upper Dagotière?−
A section of a metal scaffolding structure at a place of worship in Upper Dagotière, central Mauritius, suddenly gave way on 29 September while two men were using it to carry out voluntary cleaning work. The exact structural cause is still under police investigation.
Who has been charged in connection with the Upper Dagotière scaffolding deaths?−
The person responsible for the religious premises was arrested shortly after the accident and charged provisionally with involuntary manslaughter under Mauritian law. He was released on bail after providing surety. The case remains under active police investigation.
Where is SAJ Hospital in Mauritius?−
SAJ Hospital, officially known as Sir Anerood Jugnauth Hospital, is located in Pamplemousses in the north of Mauritius. It is one of the country's major public hospitals and handles serious trauma and intensive care cases.
