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.
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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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 as a whole. Let’s leave all the comments about whose fault it was until we are through with the funerals. This is my earnest plea to Malawians.
Failure to negotiate a corner due to over speeding. That’s manslaughter.
Very sad losing solders large number like this for the eccident that could be prevented
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
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
Born soldiers died heroes they loved their country forever in our hearts
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 and drive.
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, bricks, stones and sand from very difficult terrain. It was acquired as second hand vehicle during boarding off. This was in the early days of UDF rule. Authorities should review if it is worthwhile to continue using these vehicles. Meantime, may the souls of those soldiers lay in eternal peace and may they be honoured posthumously with medals . AMEN
Point of correction, the vehcle was an Iveco truck not TATA TRUCK.
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
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
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.
So sad to lose that big number of our men in uniform at once. This is a National tragedy, may their souls rest in peace. May God wipe the tears of their family members.
Very sad. May their souls rest in peace
Daniel chirwa
Condolences go to all the families of deceased soldiers and the entire members of the Malawi Defence Force. Never in the country’s history has the army witnessed such a road accident. Plea to the Army Commander: ground all Tata fleet vehicles and check their road worthiness. Where are UK Bedford military vehicles? Tata vehicles are from where? Rest in peace our elite soldiers.
Mmmmmmm so sad. RIP
very sorry, rest in peace MDF soldiers
very sad
Very sad news God have mercy with these soldiers.
Too bad. MTSRIEP.
May the souls of departed solders rest in eternal peace
Too bad. Lord have mercy.
A great loss to the nation as far as security of this country is concerned. My the deceased souls rest in peace and let’s wish the injured a quick recovery. God heal them!!
May their souls rest in peace and those receiving treatment recover soon.
My heart felt condolences to the bereaved families. This is very very sad considering that these were productive young soldiers who services would have been appreciated by all and sundry