Vice-President consoles family of 9 accident victims
Vice-President Everton Chimulirenji has pledged government’s continued support to the extended family that lost nine members in a road accident last week at Ndege in Machinga District.
Speaking on Monday when he visited the family members at Bauleni Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalembo in Balaka, he said President Peter Mutharika is deeply concerned with the accident, which killed youths and children who could have contributed to the country’s development.
Said Chimulirenji: “This is really sad and the President is saddened by these deaths. We lost five children and four youths who were below 35 years. [This] has affected not only this village, but the whole country. The deceased could have helped in the development of the country.”
Government has since provided about K1.3 million to settle expenses incurred during the burial, which took place on July 4, a day after the accident. Additionally, the government will provide maize and beans to the bereaved family.
The deceased are Francis Montfort Kacherenga (33), Felister Kacherenga (24), Julita Kacherenga (2), Kimu Chimatiro (34), Jane Chimatiro (27), Emmanuel Chimatiro (8), Medrick Chimatiro (6), Glory Chimatiro (3) and Jullita Kachere (12).
According to Flora Chazemba, a sister to the late Francis Kacherenga, her brother and family travelled in a Toyota Sienta to their village to see relatives.
“On their way back, because they were living in Zomba, the vehicle collided with a fuel tanker at Ndege and all of them died on the spot. We are yet to get a full police report on what caused the accident, but we are really distressed because they have left a huge gap and trauma among us,” she lamented.
