By Burnett Munthali
Several people are feared trapped and injured after a cargo truck overturned at Kampepuza in Ntcheu District.
Local media, currently present at the scene, report that among the injured is the truck driver, who, along with others, has been rushed to Ntcheu District Hospital for medical treatment.
Witnesses say the incident has caused panic and distress among residents as rescue efforts continue at the accident site.
People from the surrounding area are working together to lift the heavily damaged truck in hopes of rescuing any survivors who may still be trapped beneath the wreckage.
However, the task has proven difficult due to the truck’s massive weight and the extent of the damage to its cabin.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the truck may have lost power as it approached the Kampepuza Market area from Ntcheu Boma.
The driver is said to have lost control, causing the truck to collide with two other vehicles — a Ford Ranger and an Isuzu — before crashing into a roadside wall.
The impact left the front part of the truck completely crushed, making it difficult for rescuers to reach those trapped inside.
Police officers from the Ntcheu Road Traffic Department have not yet released an official statement on the cause of the accident.
Eyewitnesses, however, say the accident scene is chaotic, with bystanders and police officers working tirelessly to pull people from the debris.
Ntcheu Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Elijah Mlowoka, has since arrived at the scene with additional officers to assist in the rescue operation.
Mlowoka and his team are coordinating efforts to ensure that all trapped victims are retrieved as quickly and safely as possible.
The atmosphere around Kampepuza remains tense as residents watch emergency responders work through the wreckage.
Local authorities have advised motorists to avoid the area to allow rescue operations to proceed smoothly.
Meanwhile, health officials at Ntcheu District Hospital are preparing to receive more casualties as rescue efforts continue.
The full extent of the injuries and fatalities remains unclear, as investigations into the cause of the accident are still ongoing.
This tragic accident has once again raised concerns about road safety and vehicle maintenance standards on Malawi’s highways.
Authorities are expected to issue a detailed report once the rescue and assessment operations are completed.
