The youngest child of the taxi-brousse driver involved in the accident that killed four people and injured several others at the Ambohidahy tunnel last Tuesday has still not returned to school. The psychological distress and grief experienced by the child, linked to his father's arrest and the legal proceedings against him, are believed to be the cause.
Charles remains detained at Tsaralalàna, according to his wife, Nomena Razafiarinanahary, who brought him food yesterday at Tsaralalàna and described the difficulties their four-member family has faced since the accident. "Despite the situation, the family must continue moving forward and stay strong, especially because we have children to care for. Our youngest child's psychological state is one of the main difficulties the family is facing. While his two older siblings, both in their final year of secondary school, have been able to cope and continue their studies, the youngest has not been able to face this situation," she said.
According to his mother, the child was deeply affected by television coverage when he saw images of his father and news about the accident. Until now, she added, the child refuses to eat and constantly asks for his father. For this reason, his schooling has had to be temporarily interrupted.
In this ordeal, the family finds strength and protection through prayer. Charles's wife was at a place of worship on September 10 when she spoke with journalists. She explained that she was trying to entrust all these trials to prayer while awaiting the continuation of the proceedings and justice to be served. She also indicated that the family was already praying for all the victims' families. Despite the difficulties her household faces, she has not forgotten those who lost their lives or the families still dealing with the accident's consequences.
Among the main support the family has received so far are encouraging text messages from various people.
Miora Aristodème