Christian Headlines Blog Christian Blog and Commentary

NEW! Culture and news content from ChristianHeadlines.com is moving to a new home at Crosswalk - check it out!

34 Christians Tragically Killed in Madagascar When Bus Plunges down Steep Ravine

  • Veronica Neffinger

    Veronica Neffinger wrote her first poem at age seven and went on to study English in college, focusing on 18th century literature. When she is not listening to baseball games, enjoying the…

    More
  • Updated Aug 02, 2017

A group of young Christians were on their way to a pilgrimage in Madagascar when the bus in which they were traveling overturned and at least 34 of them were killed.

According to Christian Today, 140 Christians were traveling on the bus when it plunged down a steep ravine and burst into flames in the town of Ankazobe, about 45 miles from Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital. At least 12 people were badly burned and died. Local hospitals have reported at least 22 more deaths.

“The bus struggled to climb a road on a hill and fell down a ravine about 20 metres deep,” testified police spokesman Herilalatiana Andrianarisaona.  ''It caught fire after rolling several times.”

Pastor Saholy was the one organizing the trip. He explained its purpose: “We are members of an association of young Christians and we were on the road to attend a pilgrimage in Mahajanga (350 miles north-west of Antananarivo) on Wednesday, when the drama happened.”

The country of Madagascar is mourning the tragedy and President Hery Rajaonarimampianina has visited survivors in the hospital and has pledged to provide financial support for the families of the victims.

 

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: August 2, 2017