Two people are reported dead while 16 others have sustained injuries in the Eastern District of Balaka following a minibus accident that happened on Monday night.

Balaka Police Spokesperson Joseph Sauka confirmed of the accident in an interview with the press, saying the accident happened Chikombola along Balaka – Liwonde road.

Sauka said the minibus registration number MH 6124 was coming from Lilongwe to Liwonde with 18 passengers on board.

“Upon reaching at Chikombola its rear tyre busted and the driver identified as Mustafa Tambala 21, failed to control the vehicle. The vehicle overturned killing two people on the spot,” said Sauka.

He added that most passengers in the minibus sustained minor injuries and they were treated at Balaka district hospital while two who sustained serious injuries were referred to Zomba Central Hospital.

One of the deceased has been identified as Shalom Mwale 28 from Zomba but was residing in Lilongwe while the other one is yet to be identified.

Meanwhile the drive is in police custody while the conductor is at large.