Eighteen people died on the spot yesterday night while seven others who were players and supporters of Nyungwe FC died at Karonga District Hospital when a vehicle they were travelling in, overturned around Tenenthe Hills in Karonga.
Director of Health and Social Services for Karonga District Council, Dr. David Sibale confirmed the development pledging to give more information to the reporter later in the day.
Nyungwe FC was returning from Chitipa after fulfilling their football fixture against Chitipa Hammers.
Spokesperson for Karonga Police, George Mulewa said 18 people died on the spot and seven others died at Karonga District Hospital while 12 others sustained various injuries with different degrees.
Mulewa said the ten-tonner lorry registration number NA 6449 which had 80 people on board was enroute from Chitipa to Karonga overturned around 20:00 hours when the driver failed to negotiate a corner.
“The driver, Moses Mkandawire,43 failed to negotiate the left bend along Tenenthe Hills and the vehicle overturned after hitting the road embankment,” Mulewa said.
Mulewa said investigations are underway to get full details of those involved in the accident.
Nyungwe FC plays in the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) FAM Moto Division One League.
Meanwhile, NRFA has suspended all its activities that were slated for Sunday.
“We grieve with those that have lost their loved ones and may all those that are still receiving treatment recover quickly,” reads part of a statement from NRFA signed by its secretary, Masiya Nyasulu.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire said he is saddened and grieved by the accident adding that the loss is huge.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families, NRFA and the entire football fraternity in the country.
In the same spirit, let me wish all those who have sustained various degrees of injuries, a quick recovery and good health,” said Mkandawire.
