15 killed, 40 injured in Mzuzu accident

15 people have been killed in an accident involving four vehicles which happened on Friday near Ekwendeni Trading Centre in Mzuzu.

Authorities at Mzuzu Central Hospital confirmed 15 deaths but there were fears that the death toll could rise. Among the 15, nine died on the spot while six died at the hospital and many of them were adults.

Police have told the local media that 40 people have been injured during the crash.

The victims included children from Chiputula CCAP School who were travelling in a lorry and were going to Karonga for a church event.

The vehicles involved were a tipper registration number BQ 9949, a minibus registration number KA 6849, a Mitsubishi Canter lorry registration number MZ 1195, and another minibus registration number NA 102.

According to police, the tipper belonging to Plem construction was heading to Mzuzu city  but when it reached Msiki near Ekwendeni it failed to negotiate a corner and hit the other three vehicles: the lorry first and then the other two minibuses which were coming from the opposite direction.

Mzuzu Police spokesperson Martin Bwanali said they are yet to identify the victims. He however disclosed that the driver of the tipper escaped from the scene while the other drivers are receiving treatment at Mzuzu hospital.