21 people die in Ntcheu road accident: Chakwera declares two days of mourning

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has declared a two-day national mourning following the death of 21 people in a fatal road accident at Lizulu in Ntcheu.

According to Police Public Relations Officer for Ntcheu Hastings Chigaru, Edoh Mbewe, 36, who hails from Chiimire Village, Traditional Authority Msomba in Blantyre, was driving a Toyota Coaster from the direction of Dedza heading Ntcheu with roughly 28 people on board.

Upon arrival at the area near Bomba Filling Station, the Toyota Coaster was hit from behind by a freightliner truck, registration number LA 5591 and LA 5548, that was being driven by Alfred Kennedy, 57, of Mbozi Village, Traditional Authority Kasumbu in Dedza.

Chigaru said following the impact, the Toyota Coaster went on to hit another vehicle that was in front, and then overturned to the extreme offside.

Then, the Freightliner truck followed the same direction and went on to rest on top of the overturned coaster.

Speaking upon arrival from UK at Kamuzu International Airport, Chakwera described the accident as terrible hence declaration.

The national mourning will be observed from today, Monday August 2 to Tuesday August 3, 2021.

During this period, all National Flags should fly at half-mast in honour of the lives lost.