By Burnett Munthali
A tragic accident occurred in Mulanje District on Tuesday, claiming the life of a nine-year-old boy, Eliyaza Mtendere Yasini. The boy was struck by a motor vehicle while crossing the Mulanje–Luchenza Road near Fomo Secondary School. The incident occurred around 15:00 hours, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to Assistant Public Relations Officer for Mulanje Police Station, Hawa Juma, the accident took place when Harry Thengo, the driver of a Toyota Hiace Minibus with registration number TO 9388, was driving from Chisitu towards Chitakale Trading Centre. As the vehicle approached the area near Fomo Secondary School, the boy, who was crossing the road from left to right, was hit by the vehicle.
“The driver hit the boy who was crossing the road,” Juma stated. “The impact caused severe head injuries to the victim and multiple bruises on his body.”
After the incident, the boy was swiftly rushed to Mulanje District Hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, despite receiving treatment, Eliyaza succumbed to his injuries while still under care at the hospital. The community is mourning the loss of a young life, and the incident has left many residents deeply saddened.
The police have issued an appeal to the general public to adhere to road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Hawa Juma urged both drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution on the roads, especially near schools and residential areas. Road safety campaigns and awareness have been highlighted as essential steps toward reducing the frequency of accidents like this one.
The deceased hailed from Mandozo village, in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Chikumbu in Mulanje District. Eliyaza’s untimely death is a reminder of the need for heightened vigilance on the roads and a collective responsibility to safeguard the lives of young ones and all pedestrians.
This tragic event has deeply affected the local community, and the family of the young boy has been left to cope with the loss of a child. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of following road safety protocols to prevent such devastating incidents from happening again. Our thoughts are with Eliyaza’s family during this difficult time, and the community must now come together to ensure that safety remains a priority for all road users.
