By Blessings Kadewere:
Eight people died Sunday and others sustained injuries in a road accident that occurred at Thaboni Market in Thyolo District.
The accident involved a lorry travelling from Lilongwe to Nsanje.
George Kaleso, officer in charge of Masambanjati Police Station—which serves the area where the accident occurred—said a three-tonne lorry lost control due to speeding and ploughed into people at the busy market.
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“The lorry, carrying eight people on board, was heading to a tombstone unveiling ceremony in Nsanje District. Unfortunately, the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the death of eight people at the scene,” Kaleso said.
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He added that the injured were admitted to Trinity Hospital in Nsanje and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.
Principal Administrator at Trinity Hospital, William Allan, reported that among the deceased was a 32-year-old pregnant woman who gave birth at the scene of the accident.
“Due to the severe impact of the accident, the mother sustained fatal injuries and died shortly before giving birth. Fortunately, the baby, a girl weighing 3.4 kilogrammes, was successfully delivered and treated by doctors on the scene,” Allan said.
He identified the deceased mother as Jessie Bakisoni from Mwingisi Village, Traditional Authority Nsabwe, in Thyolo.
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Allan also appealed to well-wishers for assistance with medical supplies, saying the accident had increased the demand for such resources.
Thyolo District Commissioner (DC) Hudson Kuphanga expressed the council’s sorrow over the loss of lives.
“We are mourning this terrible tragedy with the bereaved families. The council has allocated an ambulance to assist with operations and medical supplies have been provided to help ease the strain on hospitals.
“The Ministry of Local Government has also directed that coffins and food rations be provided to all affected families,” Kuphanga said.
The DC also urged vendors operating at Thaboni Market to consider relocating, saying the current roadside location poses a risk to people.
“We recently met with market authorities to discuss the dangers of trading so close to the road. This tragic accident underscores the importance of moving to a safer location to prevent future tragedies,” Kuphanga said.
