By Enyichukwu Enemanna
At least 22 persons have been confirmed dead, while several others sustained varying injuries in a road accident involving footballers and their fans in Northern Malawi, police had announced.
The accident on Sunday morning happened a 10-ton truck, conveying over 80 passengers, including football players and supporters of a division one league somersaulted, authorities said.
Quoting a police report, local media in Malawi disclosed that the crash occurred on the Karonga-Chitipa M26 Road.
“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 media report says.
There are concerns that the death toll could increase as a result of the severity of head injuries sustained by some of the accident victims.
Youth and Sports Minister Uchizi Mkandawire revealed that he was shocked by the number of people killed in the accident.
“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,” said Mkandawire.
Following the fatal accident, all Sunday’s football fixtures were postponed in Northern Malawi to honour the deceased.
