16 Malawi army soldiers killed in Mzimba road fatality

Malawi Defence Forces (MDF) has confirmed that 16 recruits have died after the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in aroad accident in Luwawa Forest in northern district of Mzimba.

Scene of the fatality

MDF spokesperson Major Paul Chimphwanya has confirmed the death 16 recruits, including their instructors who were also in the vehicle coming from the training sessions in the forest.

However, Chimphwanya could not tell the cause of fatal accident saying they are yet to get full report.

He could also not tell how many people were in the vehicle.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that they went for final training sessions with pass out parade for November 11 in Salima.

Eye witnesses  say the vehicle the soldiers were in overturned several times after the driver failed to negotiate a corner due to overspeeding.

The bodies of the deceased soldiers have been taken to Mzimba Hospital.

Over 30 soldiers have also sustained serious injuries and are being treated at Mzimba Hospital.

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Douglas Ndindi
6 years ago

A very dark cloud has covered Mother Malawi. This is a very big loss to the nation and the MDF in general, and to the bereaved families in particular. There are so many things we can say about what should have been done or what shouldn’t have been done in order to avoid this tragedy, but I think for now the best thing we can do is pray for all who have lost loved ones in this accident. This includes the HE the Commander-in-Chief, the Army Commander, bereaved families, MDF Officers and all our men in uniform, and the nation… Read more »

ngaliba
ngaliba
6 years ago

Failure to negotiate a corner due to over speeding. That’s manslaughter.

Gerald mapanga phiri
Gerald mapanga phiri
6 years ago

Very sad losing solders large number like this for the eccident that could be prevented

Dzimwale wamkulu
Dzimwale wamkulu
6 years ago

My condolences to H.E Commander in Chief and the families for such a great loss to our great nation, may they sleep well until that day when Christ return… sorry sorry

Soldier
6 years ago

First of all tribute to the bereaved families and RIP our soldier, the problem with our MDF is I have seen them hanging legs outside the wagon,lenning their body outside the wagon for no reason. That TATA was overloaded with our soldiers. MDF try so teach our soldiers health and Safety. RIP soldiers

Moya
Moya
6 years ago

Born soldiers died heroes they loved their country forever in our hearts

Kambewa chisale
6 years ago

Very sad that we have lost our Men in uniform. The accident must be properly investigated . 1 Was the driver overspeeding 2 was the driving under the influence of beer 3 was the vehicle in good condition 4 how old is this Tata truck. 5 why do we buy Tata truck from India. ? 6 why don’t we buy from Military trucks from UK or Japan. ? 7 Tata trucks are not durable . Solutions to some of the ploblem is that the Army must use drivers who don’t drink. Or have a policy that you cant drink mowa… Read more »

Hlabezulu Ngonoonda
Hlabezulu Ngonoonda
6 years ago

Kambewa Chisale, you have raised a very important issue. As we grieve over the death of those 18 well trained soldiers, there is skepticism over this Tata fleet of vehicles. The driver who failed to negotiate a sharp corner with a Tata vehicle would have cruised with minor injuries and no deaths had it been that he was driving one of those Bedford TK or TM trucks or Mercedes Benz trucks. These vehicles are versatile and were in use during Kamuzu Banda’s rule. Tata vehicles cannot rival them. One guy in Blantyre is using a Bedford TK to transport logs,… Read more »

GULE
6 years ago

Point of correction, the vehcle was an Iveco truck not TATA TRUCK.

nsanai kugwe
nsanai kugwe
6 years ago

yes the UK BEDFORD VEIHICLES munaika kutidi paja????????????????? komaso pls tisamaendese ma tata ngati tikuthawa nkhondo. siinayambe kuno.
MAY ALL SOULS REST IN ETRENAL PEACE. AND QUICK RECOVERY TO THE WOUNDED. WITH ALL IN PRAYERS

Chenille
Chenille
6 years ago

A commission of enquiry should be set up and there should be consequences. Death of 16 young men is great negligence and heads must roll. Someone should be held accountable. Rest in peace and condolences to the families

Peter mutharika
Peter mutharika
6 years ago

So sad to loose such big no of our beloved soldiers, but the vehicle shows that was Iveco truck not Tata,anyway may their Saul’s rest in peace.

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