By Rahim Abdul
A tanker driver has died after the vehicle he was driving caught fire following a road accident in Chiradzulu during the early hours of Saturday.
The fatal accident occurred at around 12:10 a.m. on July 11, 2026, along the Chiradzulu–Phalombe Road at Chamdimbo.
According to Chiradzulu Police, the driver was travelling from Chiradzulu Boma towards Phalombe when the accident happened.
Police say the deceased failed to negotiate a sharp bend, causing the tanker to leave the road.
The vehicle crashed into a road embankment with great impact.
The collision triggered a fire, which quickly engulfed the tanker and trapped the driver inside the burning vehicle.
Members of the public and emergency responders rushed to the scene, but they were unable to rescue the driver.
The severely injured driver was taken to Chiradzulu District Hospital for medical attention.Medical personnel at the hospital pronounced him dead upon arrival due to the injuries sustained in the crash.
Police have not yet established the identity of the deceased, as no identification documents were immediately recovered.
Investigators are working to identify the victim and trace his relatives.
Meanwhile, police have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the accident and whether mechanical failure, speeding, or other factors may have contributed.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers of travelling on winding roads, especially during the night when visibility is reduced.
The accident was reported by Stevie Kondwa Banda, while police have urged motorists to observe speed limits and drive cautiously to prevent similar tragedies.
