A total of 490 people died in the first half of this year in road, sea and rail accidents in various parts of the country.

The data was shared a few days ago by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), during the Consultative Council Session, pointing out that accidents are the highest on the roads, with 310 deaths in 366 accidents, a reality that, according to the institution, calls for the improvement of standards, monitoring compliance with the rules and penalizing offenders.

According to the ministry, quoted by NewsThe number of fatalities caused by road accidents in the first half of the year represents a drop of 13% compared to the same period in 2023, when there were 357 deaths in 387 accidents.

During the event, which aimed to evaluate activities and look ahead to 2025, the MTC assured that actions are underway to raise awareness among those involved on public roads, intensify enforcement and make offenders more accountable, as well as adjusting rules with a view to reducing road accidents.

"In terms of legal reform, we highlight the revision of the Highway Code, which is currently at the consultation stage, and the Regulation on Transport in Automobiles and Trailers," says the MTC, noting that Maputo city and the provinces of Inhambane and Gaza have the highest accident figures, with 34.21 and 12%, respectively.

In maritime transport, there were 141 deaths, compared to 34 in the first half of 2023. This increase is linked to the accident that took place in April on Ilha de Moçambique, in Nampula province, which killed 98 people.

In the rail component, 39 deaths were recorded in the first half of the year, compared to 18 in the same period in 2023, with the northern corridor proving to be the deadliest, with 23 victims, followed by the south, with 10.

(Photo DR)