Four people were tragically struck by a vehicle which was in a convoy carring the body of Saulos Chilima, Malawi’s late vice president.
Saulos passed on in a plane crash on Monday, June 10, along with nine others when a military aircraft crashed in Chikangawa Forest due to bad weather conditions.
How Mourners Met The Tragedy During Body Transportation
According to BBC, the residents were demanding to pay their respects to Chilima’s body which was being transported from Lilongwe for burial in his village of Ntcheu on Sunday, June 16, but they clashed with police.
Some individuals reportedly threw stones at government vehicles. Tragically, one of these vehicles veered off the road and struck mourners standing nearby, resulting in the deaths of four people, including a pregnant woman.
It’s also reported that twelve others sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
Today, on Monday, June 17, the late vice president Chilima was laid to rest. While paying his respects to the late national leader, Malawi’s president, Lazarus Chakwera, hailed him as a patriotic and collaborative figure with whom he had found solace working over the preceding four years.
The accident, occurring amidst preparations for the solemn ceremony, has cast a shadow over the already somber atmosphere.
The United Transformation Movement (UTM) has issued a heartfelt response, urging its followers and the public to remain calm and unified during this challenging time.
The UTM’s message emphasizes the importance of compassion and support for the families affected by the accident. It calls for solidarity among its members and the broader community as efforts are made to assist the injured and console the grieving.
Furthermore, the UTM reaffirms its commitment to providing updates and guidance to its members regarding any developments related to the accident and the funeral proceedings. The movement encourages everyone to prioritize safety and respect during this sensitive period.
As Malawi prepares to bid farewell to Vice President Saulos Chilima, the nation is reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of unity in times of adversity. The UTM’s message serves as a beacon of strength and compassion, urging calmness and support amidst tragedy, as the community rallies together to honor the memory of a respected
