Eight people are reported dead while 64 others have sustained various degrees of injuries after a truck they were traveling in plunged into Kaseye River along Ifumbo-Lufita earth road in Chitipa District.

The accident happened on Sunday night.

Chitipa Police Spokesperson Gladwell Simwaka has confirmed that the truck ferried 72 members of African International Church.

“The driver of the truck, Kingsley Mlenga failed to control the truck at Kaseye Bridge and hit the side of the bridge where it broke the planks and plunged into the river,” said Simwaka.

According to a police report, Mlenga was driving a Fuso Fighter, registration number RU 1141, from Ifumbo going to Lufita.

The Director of Health Services at Chitipa District Hospital Wilson Ching’ani said the injured are admitted at the hospital with two in critical condition.