Madagascar: 09 dead and 03 missing in an accident

A serious road accident occurred on Thursday, November 28 in Betroka, in southern Madagascar. A bush taxi, transporting far beyond its maximum capacity, was swept away by a violent flood while trying to cross a ford.

The official assessment reports nine deaths and three missing, while research continues to find the bodies of the victims. The injured were taken care of in hospitals in the region.

The driver of the vehicle, who survived the accident, was placed in police custody. According to the first investigations, the bush taxi transported 172 people, almost double its planned capacity of 90 passengers. Among the occupants were 105 adults, 66 children and the driver.

This tragic incident highlights the dangers linked to public transport in Madagascar, a country where road accidents are frequent. These dramas are often allocated to poorly condition infrastructure, non-compliance with driving rules and overload of vehicles.

The Malagasy authorities call to redouble vigilance, in particular during rainy times, and recall the importance of compliance with road safety rules.