A new fatal accident has reignited the anger of Soavimasoandro residents. Yesterday morning, they protested on the road connecting Tsarasaotra to Ivato to demand the construction of a pedestrian bridge. “We believe it is essential to build a footbridge to secure crossings,” said Fenohery, a resident of Soavimasoandro. They argue that existing measures, such as pedestrian crossings, speed bumps, and road markings, are no longer sufficient to protect residents on this high-traffic axis.
To make themselves heard, protesters erected barricades and burned tires, disrupting traffic. “We were surprised to see traffic disrupted for a long time, even though we had to reach Analakely early. We were stuck in a traffic jam,” noted Rakotoarison, a motorist.
The tragedy occurred on Thursday around 7 p.m. A young woman was fatally struck while crossing the road with her father, who was seriously injured. According to initial police reports, the driver involved fled the scene.
“For a long time, we have been asking for the construction of a footbridge. Every day, many residents, including children and the elderly, cross this road. Accidents keep happening and nothing changes,” lamented a representative of the protesters. They are also calling for reinforced video surveillance to help identify hit-and-run offenders.
The protest ended after the intervention of law enforcement, who dispersed the crowd with tear gas. Discussions were also held with local fokontany officials, and traffic eventually resumed normally.
Investigations are ongoing. “Investigators from the Traffic Accident Brigade are analyzing surveillance camera footage from a nearby company to identify the vehicle involved,” an authorized source noted yesterday.
Furthermore, municipal officials announced that the construction of a pedestrian bridge at the site will begin as soon as possible. In the meantime, a temporary speed bump will be installed to reduce vehicle speed. The installation of “Cobra”-type street lighting was also announced, with security to be managed in collaboration with the fokontany to prevent theft or vandalism. Until these improvements are completed, police officers will be deployed at the pedestrian crossing to assist residents in crossing this busy road.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-18 05:42:07 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/manifestation-tsarasaotra-une-foule-en.html