A minibus struck pedestrians in the Ambohidahy tunnel. Nine people were victims of the accident, with two fatalities and seven injured. Police are investigating the incident.

The tragedy occurred yesterday around 2:30 p.m. inside the Ambohidahy tunnel. A second-class firefighter in his thirties, married with three children, and a 27-year-old female pedestrian whose identity remains unknown were fatally struck by a minibus.

The vehicle on line 186, coming from Analakely and heading toward Anosy, was approaching the tunnel exit when it veered off course. It mounted the right sidewalk and struck pedestrians there.

Nine people were injured with multiple trauma. Among them was second-class firefighter Jean Jacques Ravaojanahary from the 2022 promotion. According to colleagues, he had just finished his shift and was heading to Fenoarivo. He was walking to catch a bus at Anosy when the accident occurred.

At Anosy, at the roundabout in front of the Air Force base, police blocked traffic. Vehicles heading to Analakely were diverted to Antsahamanitra. The tunnel's north entrance was also closed.

Expertise

Antananarivo's prefect, Vonjy Maminjanahary Andriasy, present at the scene with regional chief Clémence Raharinirina, indicated the vehicle's brakes may have failed. However, initial technical inspection found them functional.

The minibus was towed and impounded at Anosipatrana. Its driver was taken into custody at the Traffic Accident Brigade in Tsaralalàna for investigation.

At Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Hospital, doctors treated all nine victims brought by ambulance. The firefighter and young woman were placed in intensive care before succumbing to their injuries and being transferred to the morgue.

The firefighter's wife broke down in tears upon arrival, surrounded by her husband's grieving colleagues. Government members and capital authorities offered condolences at the hospital.

At the scene, belongings of victims, including school supplies, remained on the ground under police supervision. Officers awaited families of the seven other victims, one of whom had already returned home.

Nirinasoa Edmond Rakotondrainibe, guardian of the Anosibe Ambohibarikely fokontany, tears in his eyes