Eleven died in a road accident - the country still in shock

Around 7: 50 a.m. the morning of Wednesday January 12, a truck of Gamma Civic collided with a minibus with Bangladeshi workers. Eleven of the 15 minibus passengers were killed at once while others were seriously injured.

Jean Bruno Tabani, the truck driver and his chauffeur, Vishal Soomara, gave their evidences on the afternoon of Wednesday January 12th. Previously they had been examined by the doctors at the Hospital of Flacq. Doctors said that they were slightly injured, and that their health status raises no concerns. They must appear at the tribunal de Flacq, this Thursday, January 13.

The driver of the truck, with 8 years of experience and well knowledge of the Saint-Julien road, explained that the minibus beat at his truck. The frontal crash was an extraordinary cruelty. The minivan has been cut in half and the truck tire break spilled on the footpath. Accident occurred in a few metres from Prada Co Ltd. plant where Bangladeshi workers were employed. According to the latest information, two of the four wounded were transported to Northern hospital intensive care unit. The other two are safe but remain under treatment at hospital de Flacq.

This accident aroused intense reaction in the country and mobilized many resources. In addition to police, fire-fighters and doctors involved in relief operation, Ministers and other officials were as well involved. Early in the morning, Anil Baichoo, Minister of Public Infrastructure was seen at the place of the tragedy. Later the Minister of Labour, Mohamed Shakeel has been there also. For the moment, Maya Hanoomanjee, Minister of Health went to hospital of Flacq to show solidarity with the medical staff. Ben Buntipilly, Advisor to the Prime Minister for road safety was also on the ground.

"The reason for my presence is, before all, to ensure the smooth running of operations. This accident affects us all. We will analyze how could occur drama and we work on new laws to stop such accidents", says Ben Buntipilly.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs follows closely the work of the Committee. "It has established a special unit in conjunction with the Ministry of labour. It is chaired by the Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "I expect a call from Dipu Moni, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh will be our best, once the consent of parents and the Government to initiate repatriation procedures as soon as possible ", said Arvin Boolell.

The honorary consul of the Bangladesh, Mr. Yusuf Mohamed, is in the contact with the Bangladeshi authorities. It also deals with approaches to repatriate the remains of the deceased. He stated that he would do all that compensation must be paid to the families of deceased persons.

Far in few kilometres, the village of Melrose is in deep sorrow. Med Allykhan Jahangeer, driver of the minivan, died in the accident, was loved and respected. He was part of the village Council. Med Allykhan Jahangeer leaves behind his wife Nazra and her three sons, Ajmal, Arshaad and Anas, 11, 15 and 18 years old. Med Jahangeer was employed at the Prada Co Ltd. plant since last December.