BB fans killed in road accident
Four Big Bullets fans were reported dead following a road accident that happened at Chitale along the Zalewa-Chingeni Road in the morning yesterday.
Balaka Police spokesperson sub-inspector Joseph Sauka confirmed the accident.
He said three people died on the spot when a Blantyre-bound Toyota Hiace minibus they were travelling in—registration BS 167—collided with a Hotel Victoria Nissan Caravan– registration CZ 5835.
Speaking just before we went to press, Sauka said the fourth person died as he was being taken to Zomba Central Hospital.
Sauka said the minibus, which was coming from Balaka, had 17 football fans travelling to watch the Blantyre derby between Big Bullets and Be Forward Mighty Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium.
“There were 17 on board. Three died on the spot; two were referred to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital; five were referred to Zomba Central Hospital while the rest were rushed to Balaka District Hospital.
Sauka identified two of the dead as a Balaka Town Council employee who was assigned to Balaka Stadium and a pastor at Balaka Assemblies of God.
He disputed reports from other quarters that 10 people had died in the accident.
“To my knoweldge, only three people died on the spot.
“The cause of the accident is yet to be established,” said Sauka.
He said all passengers in the other vehicle survived the accident.
Super League of Malawi president Innocent Bottoman, sounding heart-broken, described the accident as shocking. He shared the grief with the bereaved families and assured that Sulom will try its best to be there to mourn with them.
“Balaka is fast becoming a football-loving community, which is not surprising that the fans wanted to be part of the high-profile game at Kamuzu Stadium. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” said Bottoman. n
