Seven people are reported dead while seven others are battling for their lives at Karonga District Hospital after a minibus they were travelling in overturned at Ngara Trading Centre on Saturday.

Karonga Police spokesperson Enock Livason confirmed of the accident in an interview with the press, saying the accident happened after one of the tyres of the minibus burst.

“After the tyre burst, the driver lost control of the vehicle and it overturned, killing five people on the spot while two others were pronounced dead upon arrival at Karonga District Hospital,” said Livason.

The driver of the minibus who is among the injured people has been identified as as Lyson Munthali, 35, from Njakwa Village in the area of Chief Jalavikuba in Mzimba District.

According to Livason, the minibus registration number CP 7740 was travelling from Karonga to Mzuzu and had 14 passengers on board.

Livason said the injured people are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

Meanwhile the police have opened a case for the driver despite being among the injured people.