Mozambique: At least two killed and 26 injured in Messica crash

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: At least two killed and 26 injured in Messica crash

3:33 CAT | 17 Jul 2023

Photo: Rádio Sirt Manica

Two dead and 26 people seriously and slightly injured is the preliminary balance of a road accident that occurred on Sunday (16-07) afternoon in Messica administrative post, Manica district, in central Mozambique.

The collision of vehicles occurred on National Road Number Number Six (EN6). Of those injured, eight are said to be serious and 18 light.

The spokesman for the Police the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) in Manica, Mateus Mindú said yesterday in Chimoio that the accident involved two passenger transport vehicles travelling in opposite directions.

“A tire on one of the vehicles burst, and, while attempting to stop, the driver lost control and crashed into another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. One passenger died at the scene and eight were seriously injured. The second death occurred at the hospital the victims were taken to,” Mindú said.

The source said that excessive speed and mechanical deficiencies were the cause of the accident, which also resulted in substantial material damage.

“In addition to fatalities, there was substantial material damage. The police are still on the ground assessing the level of losses following this accident. We promise updates, but currently these are the figures we have,” he added.

One of the witnesses who spoke to AIM by phone said that the number of fatalities may have been more, judging by the condition of the vehicles.

“I live here in Messica. The number of people who lost their lives could have been much higher. Both vehicles were completely destroyed. Even now – it is 6:00 p.m. – we are hearing that one more person has just lost his life,” Célia Bazima related.

“What happened this afternoon is very regrettable. We are in mourning in Messica. There are also many injured people who have been taken to health facilities nearer the accident site, where they are receiving medical care,” she said.

Meanwhile, the PRM in Manica province is calling on motorists to respect the rules of the road so as to avoid more bloodshed.

Source: AIM