By Burnett Munthali
A tragic road accident occurred on August 20, 2024, at approximately 08:30 hours at Lumbadzi Bridge along the Lilongwe-Kasungu M1 road. The collision involved multiple vehicles and resulted in the death of a 65-year-old pedal cyclist, Libson Phiri.
The accident began when a Mahindra tipper, registration number BZ 9827, driven by 52-year-old Gandule Kunkeyani, collided with Phiri, who was traveling in the same direction. Phiri sustained severe head injuries and multiple fractures to both legs and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kamuzu Central Hospital.
Following the initial collision, the Mahindra tipper, which was reportedly speeding, struck a Howo tipper, registration number KU 10409, driven by Kingsley Chitsotso, 47. The impact caused the Mahindra tipper to veer off course and collide with two oncoming vehicles: a Toyota Quantum minibus, registration number MG 144 AR, driven by Isaac Sumaili, 47, and a Toyota Fortuner, registration number BISM 3, driven by Dr. Biswick Sakunda, 46.
Gandule Kunkeyani, the driver of the Mahindra tipper, is currently in police custody pending further investigation into the incident.
Libson Phiri, the deceased, was a resident of Kanyinji village, Traditional Authority Chitukula in Lilongwe.
The Lumbadzi Police Station’s Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Felix Kwinyani, confirmed the details of the accident and the ongoing investigation.
