At least 34 people have been killed in a horrific bus accident in Madagascar, local authorities say.
The crash happened in Ankazobe, 44 miles north-west of Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo, Xinhua news agency reports Minister of Transport Benjamina Ramarcel to say.
The bus was carrying a group of young Christian worshippers to Mahajanga – 350 miles northwest of the capital – before it got involved in the accident.
The bus is said to have plunged down a steep ravine.
“The bus … fell into a ravine of about 20m (65ft) and it caught fire after rolling over several times.”
Le Figaro quotes Commander Andilaratiana Andrianarisaona, spokesperson for the police, to say.
Police said 12 badly burned bodies were recovered at the site of the crash, with hospitals confirming the other 22 dead.
“We are members of an association of young Christians and we were on road to attend a pilgrimage in Mahajanga (350 miles north-west of Antananarivo) on Wednesday, when the drama happened.” Pastor Saholy who organized that trip is reported to have said.
