Tragedy in Malawi: 22 people killed after football match

At least 22 people lost their lives and several others suffered injuries in a tragic road accident in Malawi’s northern region that involved football players, officials and supporters of a division one league side.
The accident occurred early Sunday when a 10-ton truck, carrying over 80 passengers, overturned along the Karonga-Chitipa M26 road, according to a police report. Youth and Sports Minister Uchizi Mkandawire expressed shock and grief over the incident.
“We are so saddened and grieved. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families. Let me further wish all those who have sustained various degrees of injuries a quick recovery and good health,” said Mkandawire.
Police have indicated that a combination of high speed and failure to negotiate a sharp curve is likely to have caused the driver to lose control of the truck and force it to crash on the road embankment. The injuries sustained by some of the victims were particularly severe leading to fears that the number of casualties could rise.
In tribute to those who lost their lives, all Sunday’s football fixtures in the region were postponed. While the Malawi government has faced some criticism for failing to address the growing problem of road fatalities, the police service has offered some insights into the situation.
According to the police, in 2022, 1,529 people were killed and 573 others sustained injuries in 5,553 accidents that happened in Malawi. The numbers seem to suggest a growing trend in the number of road fatalities, one that is unlikely to be reversed without a significant intervention by the government.