18 Malawi Defence Force recruits, instructors die in road accident
Eighteen Malawi Defence Force (MDF) recruits and their instructors died in a road accident Thursday after the vehicle they were travelling in from a training camp overturned.
The soldiers had just completed their training in Luwawa Forest where they had set up a camp.
The vehicle, which was carrying 35 army officers, which included recruits and instructors, lost control and overturned at Mapanjira area on the M1 Road in Mzimba District.
The accident happened between 10 am and 11 am.
MDF Public Relations Officer, Paul Chiphwanya, confirmed the deaths.
He said 11 officers died on the spot while seven died at Mzimba District Hospital.
“We have lost 18 officers and this is a sad development. We have not yet established what has caused the accident,” Chiphwanya said.
In a statement from State House, President Mutharika described the fatal accident as a loss to the nation.
He condoled the bereaved families and pledged to support in the time of need.
There was tight security at Mzimba District Hospital as soldiers stopped people from visiting the mortuary to identify their relatives.
The soldiers were also stopping people from taking photos.
The Daily Times established that some survivors are admitted to Mzuzu Central Hospital.
Meanwhile, Livingstonia Synod of Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) has sent its condolence message to the bereaved families, the Malawi Defence Force and the entire nation.
“Losing 16 people is a heavy blow for us the country. As the synod, we are shocked and we ask God to comfort the bereaved families and the entire nation. We are crying with them,” the Synod said.
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