A tragic accident occurred during the funeral procession of Malawi’s late Vice President Saulos Chilima, when a vehicle in the convoy rammed into mourners, resulting in four fatalities and twelve injuries, police reported. The incident took place on Sunday night in Ntcheu, a village in central Malawi, as the convoy was en route to Chilima’s home village, Nsipe, for his burial scheduled on Monday.
The vehicle involved was part of a motorcade that included military, police, and civilian cars, all transporting the body of Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash earlier last week. According to eyewitness accounts, the vehicle lost control as it attempted to navigate through a dense crowd of mourners.
“Due to the impact, the two female and two male pedestrians sustained severe head injuries and multiple fractures and died whilst receiving treatment,” stated a police report.
Police spokesman Peter Kalaya provided further details, confirming that twelve additional people had been injured in the incident. The victims were part of thousands who had lined the streets to pay their respects and catch a glimpse of the vice president’s coffin.
The scene in Ntcheu was one of chaos and grief as emergency services rushed to provide aid to the injured and manage the crowd. The accident cast a shadow over what was meant to be a solemn occasion of national mourning.
Saulos Chilima’s passing has already brought significant sorrow to the nation, and the tragic accident during his funeral procession has only deepened the collective grief. The government had declared Monday a public holiday to allow citizens to participate in the funeral and honor the late vice president’s memory.
As investigations into the accident proceed, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and ensuring the safety of those participating in the funeral events. The loss of Vice President Chilima and the additional lives taken in this tragic incident have left Malawi in mourning, united in sorrow and remembrance.
Saulos Chilima was a prominent figure in Malawian politics, known for his dedication to public service and his efforts to improve the nation. His sudden death in a plane crash was a significant blow to the country, and his funeral was intended to be a dignified farewell to a respected leader.
The procession was carefully planned to reflect the nation’s respect and admiration for Chilima, but the unforeseen accident has underscored the unpredictability of large public events and the need for stringent safety measures.
As Malawi continues to mourn, the government has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to prevent such tragedies in the future. The nation’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and the injured as they navigate through this difficult time.
The funeral of Saulos Chilima, despite the tragic events, will proceed as planned, with the hope that his legacy of service and dedication to Malawi will continue to inspire future generations.
