By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, August 22: Mana: Two children are among the 26 people who have died in a road accident that took place in the early hours of Thursday in Kasungu district.

A high-roof minibus registration number MZ 11670 going towards Lilongwe hit and killed a pedal cyclist before ramming into a Tanzanian fuel tanker coming the opposite direction at Katondo Village near Santhe Trading Center.

"After the collision with the tanker, the minibus went up in flames killing all the 25 people on board," Joseph Kachikho, Kasungu Police Publicist said.

District Commissioner for Kasungu, James Kanyangalazi, said the government will ensure that the bereaved families are assisted.

"It's a sad day for us here in Kasungu and the nation at large that we have lost 26 people, two of whom are children.

"As a council, we rushed to the accident site with the police and health personnel and have brought the bodies to Kasungu mortuary," Kanyangalazi said.

He said government will ensure that it provides all the assistance needed through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).

"We have already communicated to the Office of President and Cabinet and the Ministry of Local Government," Kanyangalazi added.

Meanwhile President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has said he is deeply saddened by the tragic accident.

“The First Lady and I are deeply saddened, by the tragic accident that occurred this morning at Katondo in Kasungu, claiming the lives of 26n people, including two children,” says Chakwera in a statement released by the Statehouse.

Adds Chakwera: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and friends. May we find strength and comfort in God’s grace during this troubling time.”

Hundreds of people have gathered at Kasungu District Hospital mortuary where relatives are trying to identify the bodies.

The police say the identification process will be difficult, as most of the bodies have been severely burnt.

The driver of the minibus has been identified as Jack Phiri from Dedza.