7 killed, dozens injured in Ntcheu bus crash: Malawi Police say driver was dozing

Seven people have died in an accident on Thursday morning involving bus that was travelling from Blantyre to Lilongwe  at Mlengani Trading Centre in Ntcheu while several others have sustained injuries.

The wreckage of Premier Bus involved in Ntcheu accident
The wreckage of Premier Bus involved in Ntcheu accident

The bus belonging to Premier Bus Services had over 60 people on board, according to Gift Matewere,the police spokesperson for Ntcheu.

He said, the  bus Scania registration number NA4430 overturned when the driver failed to negotiate a corner

“It is believed that the driver was sleeping while driving due to fatigue and failed to negotiate a corner,” said Matewere.

Matewere has since said:  “The driver Richard Nyirenda (40) h of Katolola village T/A Kyungu in Karonga will be charged with the offence of causing death by dangerous driving contrary to section 121 of Road Traffic Act.”

Several other people with internal injuries have been referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital  in Lilongwe and several others are admitted at Ntcheu District Hospital while others were treated as out patients.

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CONCERNED CITIZEN
CONCERNED CITIZEN
7 years ago

Buses driving at night must have two drivers. One will be driving while the other is resting ( sleeping) .Change over at half the distance of the trip or when the driver currently driving feels tired. Katangale wa vehicle fitess; vehicles pass fitness while were never tested.This should stop!!!!. Most of the buses and minibuses in Malawi are not road worthy by international standards.Talekelera kwambiri. Its common to see a public transport vehicle which is in tatters but still on the road. With seats that injure passengers, broken windows covered with plastic sheet etc.

Chilu
Chilu
7 years ago

Problem is that these drivers think that they are machines. They know that they will be driving at night but they dont give themselves a chance to sleep during the day. The body needs rest and if u are on duty during the night have some hours of sleep during the day prior to going to work. These people must be severely punished. They are killing people!

Lord have Mercy
Lord have Mercy
7 years ago

Amangeso mwini Basi . Why use an already tired driver to carry lives so dangerously?

Three Angels Messages
Three Angels Messages
7 years ago

Kunena zowona pa Malawi pano kuyenda ulendo wautali ndipo kufika ndimoyo, its a must kugwada pansi ndikuthokoza Mulungu otherwise travelling in these unregulated buses is like a death trap. WHAT IS THE GOVT DOING ON THIS??????????

Costly Gochisale
Costly Gochisale
7 years ago

Gone are the days when buses used to depart according to their time schedule. We now have to wait for hours to be loaded like sardines in a tin. Most of the drivers are overworked because bus owners are looking for money……. What we need are structural changes in the road safety in Malawi.

Chelali
Chelali
7 years ago

So sad….

observer
observer
7 years ago

it was just a matter of time for a premier bus to be involved in such an accident .. too much speed in these buses. this is not a surprise at all

CHIMBANO
CHIMBANO
7 years ago

In Tanzania, the government banned buses travelling at night and it really worked out. Why cant Malawi govt borrow a leaf from Tanzanian counter parts.

Khima
Khima
7 years ago

We need to revise our National Road Safety Policy. Buses and all other public transports must have defined speedlimits (80KM/HR) with full monitoring systems (Remote Car Tracking systems). Monitoring data must be always presented at any occassion needed. Driving Syllabus and Tests must be revised, lacks crucial factor of defensive driving. Capacity loading must be strictly enforced no standing passangers. All buses must go through weighbridges. Vehicle and driver fitness records for buses must always be available and audited. Any accident must be investigated where there was violation on the part of the driver or vehicle fitness, consequetial actions must… Read more »

synod
synod
7 years ago
Reply to  Khima

i fully agree to what you have written in this comment.

Lompha
Lompha
7 years ago
Reply to  synod

accidents are inevitable but can be minimized. Sleeping too is natural and involuntary what matters most is what you do once noted. May the departed souls rest in peace. casualties God is with you I believe He has already taken control

Khima
Khima
7 years ago
Reply to  Lompha

Mmbale wanga Lompha, all “man made” accidents are avoidable but you need exceptional safefy oriented mind at all times and understand what driving is not pushing cars.

Three Angels Messages
Three Angels Messages
7 years ago
Reply to  Khima

Koma kuno zingatheke??? Ndimatchona omwe akuti lamulirawa. Munthu akakangopereka ndalama kuchipani basi wapeza license yopanga what ever you want.

Adzonzi
Adzonzi
7 years ago

Lost workmate in the accident, very charming young guy. MHRIP

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