By Rahim Abdul
A tragic case of reckless driving has claimed six lives near the Mzimba Bridge on the Mzuzu Jenda M1 Road, after a fuel tanker collided head on with a Toyota Sienta in a failed overtaking attempt.
The fatal incident occurred late last night, with police confirming that the Scania DPX tanker, en route to Lilongwe, was attempting to overtake another truck when it rammed into the oncoming Sienta.
All six people in the smaller vehicle died on the spot, while others sustained serious injuries.
Mzimba Police spokesperson Maria Banda said investigations are underway, and authorities are urgently searching for the tanker’s driver, Said Shaban, who reportedly abandoned the scene immediately after the crash.
Meanwhile, Mzimba South District Health Promotion Officer, Ellings Nyirenda, says three of the injured victims with critical conditions have been referred to Mzuzu Central Hospital, while others remain admitted at Mzimba District Hospital.
The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed as police continue to piece together what led to the fatal crash. With the tanker reportedly carrying flammable fuel, safety concerns are also being assessed.
This latest accident adds to growing concerns about road safety and driver negligence on Malawi’s busy highways.
