By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, August 20, Mana: Thyolo District Commissioner, Hudson Kuphanga has issued an urgent appeal for support to assist a newborn baby and other patients who survived a tragic accident, which took place on Sunday in Thaboni.

Kuphanga made the call on Monday stating that the accident claimed nine lives and left several others injured, many of whom are now receiving care at Trinity Hospital in Nsanje and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.

"The newborn baby, delivered at the accident scene, lost the mother in the tragedy. While the baby is in stable condition at Trinity Hospital, there is an immediate need for essentials such as milk, diapers, clothes, blankets and toiletries.

"The baby’s guardians, who are currently without food, are also in dire need of assistance," said Kuphanga.

Kuphanga also emphasized the need for additional resources for Trinity Hospital, which is struggling to cope with the aftermath of the accident.

Meanwhile, a team of officials from Thyolo District Council led by Dr. Gabriel Mtaya, on Monday visited both hospitals to review the condition of the patients.

 "We have reviewed a total of 21 patients, including the two babies at Trinity Hospital. Most patients are stable, and eight have been discharged this afternoon. Three patients need further observation, and the rest will possibly be discharged later on Tuesday."

"Two patients were discharged on request before the team arrived at the hospital to bury their child who died during the accident," said Mtaya.

Mtaya added that at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, seven patients remained under care, including four children and three women.

"Among the children, a two-year-old is in critical condition in the ICU, suffering from a head injury and multiple fractures. The other three children who are within the age range of 12 and 14 are stable but one had his right leg amputated.

"The three women have varying degrees of injuries, with one in serious condition due to a severe head injury. A male patient was discharged earlier in the day, although details about his condition were not available," he added.

Mtaya also highlighted the urgent need for support for the patients at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.

In response to the accident, government donated MK4 million to assist with funeral expenses, from which MK2.7 million have been distributed to the bereaved families, with each family receiving MK300,000.

The government also provided coffins and fifty bags of food and essentials, through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).

The accident happened when the driver of a vehicle carrying people from Lilongwe going to a tombstone unveiling ceremony failed to control the vehicle due to brakes failure thereby running into people who were at Thaboni Market.