Five people are reported dead while 47 others have sustained serious injuries after a lorry they were travelling in overturned in Chiradzulu on Saturday.

Chiradzulu Police Officer in-charge Erick Kandulu confirmed of the development in an interview with the Press, saying the accident happened as results of brake failure.

According to Kangulu, the lorry was carrying over 50 people heading to Phalombe from the commercial capital Blantyre (Limbe).

“Upon reaching Chimdimba, the drive failed to control the vehicle due to brake failure and it overturned, killing five people on the spot,” Said Kandulu.

Kandulu said the driver of the lorry identified as 38-year-old Kandaya Manyamba survived the accident.

Out of 47 injured people, 34 were referred to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre while were being treated at Chiradzulu District Hospital, and four were treated as outpatients.

Meanwhile the Police have urged the general public to observe road signs.