By Imam Wali:
Six people have died in a road accident that occurred along the Lilongwe-Dedza M1 Road on Sunday, with 12 others sustaining injuries.
The incident took place near Kalinyeke Toll Gate.
Beatrice Jefita, spokesperson for Dedza Police Station, identified the deceased as Memory Often, 28; Elisa Kachingwe, an adult; Enoch Chodzadza, aged nine; Emily Adam, 27; Promise Bwanali, 19; and Grace Bwanali, aged nine.
“The driver of motor vehicle, registration DZ 6066, was travelling from Chimbiya towards Dedza Town with several passengers on board. Upon reaching Kalinyeke, the car collided with a stationary motor vehicle, registration KU 10605, which was heading towards Dedza,” Jefita said.
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She added that due to the impact, the six sustained severe head injuries and were pronounced dead upon arrival at Dedza District Hospital.
Their bodies underwent postmortem examinations while the injured received treatment at the same facility.
Spokesperson for Dedza District Hospital, Mwayi Liabunya, confirmed the details of the accident.
“We received six bodies of the deceased and 12 injured individuals, three of whom were treated as outpatients,” Liabunya said.
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Adam came from Katsekaminga Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Kamenyagwaza, Dedza District, while Kachingwe was a resident of Dzamani Village, TA Chakhumbira, Ntcheu District.
Grace Bwanali, Promise Bwanali, Memory Often and Enoch Chodzadza were all from Kalilombe Village, TA Chakhumbira, in Ntcheu as well.
Meanwhile, road safety experts have urged the government to enhance safety on the country’s roads by repairing potholes, replacing vandalised road signs and cracking down on owners of stationary vehicles that are causing hazards to other motorists.
“While some accidents are unavoidable, others occur due to sheer negligence. The frequent accidents reported almost daily highlight the need for action.
“There are evident issues on our roads that require collective identification and resolution,” road safety expert and driver trainer Moses Chinguwo said.
