…. 3 ladies among the dead
The death toll in a lorry crash that occurred in Chitipa has risen to 24, as football matches in the region have been cancelled to mourn the departed.
17 people died on the spot at Tenenthe along Chitipa- Karonga Road when a speeding lorry that had ferried supporters of Nyungwe football team from Karonga crashed.
A Police report The Investigator Magazine has seen identified 3 of the the 17 persons and the driver as Moses Mkandawire.
On Sunday morning hospital sources said the death toll was now at 24.
“Accident by a motor vehicle registration number NA 6449 Hino lorry 10 tonne lorry . Occurred on 03/06/2023 at about 2000hrs at Tenenthe area along chitipa/karonga M26 road,” reads part of the report.
Police said the lorry had 80 passengers who included football players and supporters of the club.
“The motor vehicle belongs to Hon. Richard Msowoya Ex Speaker of Parliament. On arrival at Tenenthe area (slopes) the driver due to speedind he failed to negotiate the left bend and hit the road embarkment and overturned sideways,” reads the report.
“Following the impact Zondani Nkhwazi ,Hastoni Munkhondya and 15 others unknown passengers sustained severe head injuries and fractures and died on the spot.Other 12 passengers sustained serious injuries and the rest with minor injuries,” Police said.