A spectacular fire broke out on Wednesday around 5:00 PM on the RN6, at PK 649+760, near the entrance to the Ambodipo-Tsarahitsaka bridge in the commune of Sadjoavato, Antsiranana II district. A semi-trailer truck loaded with hundreds of Vitogaz gas cylinders was completely destroyed by the flames. No fatalities were reported.
The accident occurred just a few meters from the bridge recently rehabilitated by the company Colas, on the route connecting Ambilobe to Antsiranana. The semi-trailer, traveling from Mahajanga to Antsiranana, was carrying a large cargo of domestic gas cylinders.
According to initial observations at the scene, the accident was likely caused by a front tire blowout. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which overturned before the fire spread rapidly to the truck and its cargo.
The situation became particularly dramatic when the gas cylinders began to explode one after another, causing loud detonations and launching cylinders in various directions. Part of the cargo was scattered along the roadside, while several cylinders were found in the riverbed under the bridge, which was nearly dry at the time.
“We first heard a loud explosion before the accident. We approached to see what was happening, but when the explosions started, we got scared and fled,” testified residents living near the bridge.
The fire caused significant traffic disruption on this strategic route connecting northern Madagascar. Vehicles were forced to wait for the fire to be completely extinguished before resuming their journey, with some choosing to turn back as a precaution. Beyond the truck and its cargo, the flames also reportedly caused damage to the bridge and the recently paved road surface.
The main concern for local residents was the risk of the fire spreading to nearby homes and businesses. The presence of clandestine fuel sales points in the area heightened fears of a larger conflagration.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-02 06:41:13 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/antsiranana-un-camion-charge-de-gaz.html