At least 22 people have lost their lives, and numerous others have been injured in a devastating road accident involving football fans in Northern Malawi, according to authorities.
The incident took place early Sunday when a 10-ton truck, carrying more than 80 passengers, including football players, officials, and supporters of a division one league team, overturned along the Karonga-Chitipa M26 road, as stated in a police report.
“The driver lost control due to speeding and failed to negotiate the left bend. He hit the road embankment, and the truck overturned sideways,” the report detailed.
Due to the severity of head injuries sustained by some of the wounded, police expressed concern that the death toll could rise.
Uchizi Mkandawire, the Youth and Sports Minister, expressed deep shock over the tragic accident.
He shared his condolences, saying, “We are so saddened and grieved. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families. Let me further wish all those who have sustained various degrees of injuries a quick recovery and good health.”
As a mark of respect for the deceased, all football fixtures scheduled for Sunday in Northern Malawi have been postponed.
Malawi has recently witnessed an increase in road accidents, with police data revealing that in 2022 alone, 1,529 people lost their lives and 573 others sustained injuries in 5,553 accidents.
