By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, August 28, Mana: Three women and two men have died after a minibus they were travelling in overturned at Thondolo village along the Santhe-Chinkhoma M18 road in Kasungu district.

Briefing reporters at Kasungu District Hospital Tuesday evening, Kasungu Police Public Relations Officer Joseph Kachikho only identified the two men being the driver, Cossam Banda and his conductor, Jairos Kamanga.

He said the minibus, registration number MZ 10677, coming from Lilongwe going to Jenda had 16 people on board.

“Upon reaching Thondolo near Lusa river along the M18 road, the rear tyre exploded forcing the minibus to overturn.

“Due to the impact, we have lost five people while six others have sustained varying injuries and are admitted to Kasungu District Hospital. Five others were treated as out-patients,” Kachikho explained.

Kasungu District Council Director of Planning and Development, Annie Zimba, told reporters at the mortuary that government, through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, will assist the bereaved families with coffins.

“It’s another sad day for us here in Kasungu considering that just a few days ago we had another fatal accident which claimed 26 lives. We are deeply saddened and we send our condolences,” Zimba said.

Commissioner of Police for Central East Region, Rhoda Manjolo, Officer In-Charge for Kasungu Police, Obrey Nyirenda, senior council officials were present at the mortuary where hundreds of mourners had gathered.

This is the second fatal accident within six days in Kasungu district following another one which killed 26 people on Thursday last week.