26 Dead As Minivan Collides With Fuel Tanker, Bursts Into Flames

• A speeding minibus travelling from Lilongwe collided with a Tanzanian fuel tanker, causing 26 fatalities, including a six-month-old baby
• According to the police, the fuel tanker was avoiding hitting a cyclist when the collision happened
• President Lazarus Chakwera has expressed his deepest sympathies to the believed families and friends

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Malawi - Several families are grieving after a tragic accident claimed 26 lives, including two children.

The incident which happened near Kasungu district occurred when a minibus travelling to Lilongwe, the capital, collided with a Tanzanian fuel tanker and burst into flames.

What caused Malawi crash that killed 26?

Harry Namwaza, deputy spokesman for the Malawi Police Service, reported that all passengers were completely burned, as Anadolu Agency reported.

"The driver of the passenger vehicle was speeding and he ended up hitting the fuel tanker in his attempt to overtake it," said Namwaza.

The accident happened when the fuel tanker driver swerved to avoid a cyclist, leading to a head-on collision with the minibus.

Lazarus Chakwera reacts to Kasungu accident

Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera has regretted the loss and extended his sincere condolences to the bereaved families.

“The first lady and I are deeply saddened by the tragic road accident that occurred this morning at Katondo in Kasungu, claiming the lives of 26 people including two children. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and friends. May we find strength and comfort in God’s grace during this troubling time,” read the statement in part.

8 bodies identified from Kasungu accident

Meanwhile, the bodies have been transported to Kasungu Hospital Mortuary.

District Commissioner James Kanyangalazi said eight bodies, including that of a six-month-old child, have been identified.

“I can confirm that we have so far managed to identify eight bodies and we feel we cannot identify any more. Sad to note that one of them is a six-month-old baby who has been burnt together with her mother and the two have been put in the same coffin,” Kanyangalazi said.

Online footage showed the overturned minibus engulfed in flames, with the fuel tanker parked at a distance.

5 people killed in Odisho crash

In other news, five people were confirmed dead after an oil tanker rammed into roadside tea stalls following a collision with a passenger bus.

According to the police report, the speeding bus was trying to overtake an oil tanker when the two vehicles collided. The tanker then lost control, leading to the fatalities.

The authorities promised huge compensation for the victims of the deceased and the several individuals who sustained severe injuries.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

Tharaka-Nithi Girl Who Dropped Out In Form 3 To Seek Medical Help Celebrates Recovery After Surgery
Meru Woman Says Mother Stole Her Husband After Marriage Issues: "Walikuwa Wanakunywa Pamoja"
Isaac Mutuma: Profile Of Meru Deputy Governor Set To Replace Kawira Mwangaza

A minivan ferrying 26 people to Lilongwe caught fire after collision with a fuel tanker.

Kenosha police rescue driver after minivan bursts into flames - CBS Chicago

Watch: Fuel tanker bursts into flames on A21 | Metro Video