46 accidents recorded on July 6

Malawi Police Service (MPS) recorded 46 accidents during this year’s 49th Independence Day celebrations at the weekend.

Police statistics show that the South registered 22, the Centre 16, the North five and the East four accidents. Last year, six deaths were reported out of seven road accidents on Independence Day which falls on July 6.

National Police deputy spokesperson Kelvin Maigwa said on Wednesday that 12 people died from the accidents and 10 sustained serious injuries.

“There is an increase from last year where we recorded only seven accidents. However, this year’s increase is mainly because the celebrations were extended to Monday, unlike last year where July 6 fell within the week,” said Maigwa.

He said most of the 46 accidents were due to over-speeding and driving while drunk.

Maigwa said police will continue working with the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), Road Traffic Directorate (RTD) and public transport operators to reduce accidents.