Seven people have died after a vehicle they were travelling in overturned at Katengeza Trading Centre in Dowa. 

Central East Police Region spokesperson Harry Namwaza said a Toyota Hiace registration number NB 6484 was being driven by Haneck Bimoni, 41, from Kaphathenga towards Mvera along Salima – Lilongwe M14 road with eighteen passengers on board.

Namwaza said upon arrival at Katengeza Trading Centre the rear side tyre busted and the driver lost control of the vehicle due to speeding.

“The vehicle swerved to the extreme off-side where the vehicle overturned twice,” he said.

Namwaza said due to the impact, seven passengers were pronounced dead at Salima District Hospital after sustaining various degrees of injuries.

“The driver sustained fractures on left leg and arm and has been referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital for further treatment. Eleven passengers escaped with minor injuries,” he said.

Namwaza identified the deceased as Morris Davie, 57, Haswell Njawala, Alice MMera, Gift Helemu, 27, Hassan Kapasule, 24, Kelvin Kalulu and Maxwell Makonde all from Nkhotakota.