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5 die en route to Chilembwe memorial

Five people died yesterday near Chisombezi Bridge in Chiradzulu when they were travelling to Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) headquarters to attend the John Chilembwe Day commemorations.

Southern Region Police spokesperson Ramsey Mushani in an interview yesterday said the five were among people who were travelling to the function from Lujeri PIM Church station in Mulanje.

The vehicle after the accident

Said Mushani: “Yes I can confirm that three men and two women, who were part of a church trip to attend the service at Mbombwe, died in a car crash. At the moment we have not established the cause of the accident.”

He said a Toyota Dyna 3-tonner truck was driven by Laudon Taipi, 27, was involved in the accident at Malika Village close to Chisombezi Bridge.

January 15 is John Chilembwe Day to commemorate the struggle of the renowned freedom fighter the Reverend John Chilembwe. The function was presided by President Peter Mutharika.

In his speech during the function, Mutharika acknowledged receiving news of the death and committed his government’s assistance towards families of those affected.

He said: “It is with great sadness that I have just learnt that over an hour ago a truck coming to this event overturned and some people have died. This is very sad. My condolences to the families. And I will ask the Chief Secretary to do anything he can to ensure that we assist the families.” Malawi Police Service (MPS) in December 2018 reported that road traffic accidents in the country had sharply increased by 35 percent, from 3 626 in 2017 to 4 879 in 2018.

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