Nine die in two road accidents, over 20 in hospital
Two separate road accidents have claimed nine lives of people with about 20 others admitted to various hospitals after vehicles they were travelling in overturned.
The accident occurred on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon in Mangochi and Dedza districts respectively.
In Dedza, the accident, involving a passenger minibus, killed seven people while eight survived and are battling for their lives in hospital.
The accident occurred Saturday, around 3.00pm, at a place called Fulaya, along the M1 road.
According to Dedza Police Public Relations Officer, Edward Kabango, the minibus was travelling from Dedza Boma to Lilongwe and four people died on the spot.
Kabango said the fifth person died upon arrival at Dedza District Hospital while the other two died few hours later as doctors tried to save their lives.
“The accident happened after one of the minibus’ rear tyres burst forcing it to overturn,” he said.
Identities of the seven deceased were not yet established as we posted the story.
The other accident occurred Friday evening along the M’baluku-Malombe road in Mangochi district after the driver of a Toyota Dyna pick up lost control of the wheel and hit a roadside house before overturning.
Two children died on the spot after suffering serious head injuries while 14 others survived with various degrees of wounds.
The two children were identified as 12-year-old Yusuf Saini and another only named as Fajili, aged 11.
The surviving children were rushed to Mangochi District Hospital where they got admitted while others were treated as outpatients.
The other child was rushed to Zomba Central Hospital for advanced treatment after sustaining severe head and body injuries.
According to Mangochi Police Spokesperson, Rhodrick Maida, the vehicle, registration number BS 1870, was being driven by 31-year-old Chimwemwe Kholopa.
The driver is alleged to have picked the children, about 16 of them aged between 10 and 12, from M’baluku to Malombe to ferry bricks.
Meanwhile, Maida has said the driver, who is under police custody, has been charged with an offence of causing death by reckless driving, which is contrary to Section 126 of the Roads and Traffic Act.
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