Escom vehicle hits three pedestrians in Balaka

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Nkhotakota

Five people were walking on a sidewalk in Balaka, going about their business, when they were struck by a speeding vehicle belonging to Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom).

road accidentPolice said three of the pedestrians died on the spot while two others including the driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries.

Balaka Police Publicist, Inspector Joseph Sauka identified the deceased as Benson Bakali, 14, Chikumbutso Dunthu, 16 and Victor Chisale, 45; all from Kaipakunja village in the area of Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka district.

He said the accident happened at Chendausiku along Balaka – Liwonde road when the driver of an Escom vehicle Toyota Hilux Double cabin registration number BLK 3774, Leonard Mukasela (45) failed to control the vehicle and hit five pedestrians who were going towards the same direction on the right hand side of the road.

According to Sauka, the driver and one other injured person have been admitted to Machinga District Hospital at Liwonde. Meanwhile, the driver is expected to appear before court where he will answer a case of causing death due to reckless driving after being discharged from the hospital.

In a related development, a person has been found dead at Liwawadzi area along the same Balaka – Liwonde road after what has been described as a hit and run road accident.

The deceased has been identified as Dziwa Matenje, from Mtalika village in the area of Traditonal Authority Nsamala in the same district of Balaka.