A 27-year-old woman has died after she was hit by a minibus in Chikwawa District.

Chikwawa Police Station deputy spokesperson Chancy Mfune has identified the deceased as Zione Wilson.

Mfune said the accident involved a Toyota Hiace minibus registration number NE 4779 which was being driven by Leonard Malonda, 35.

The deputy police spokesperson said Malonda was driving from the direction of Nchalo to Chikwawa Boma with 15 passengers on board.

Upon arrival at Lengwe Turn-Off, one of the front tyres burst causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The minibus swerved to the extreme side of the road where it hit Wilson, who was riding a bicycle heading in the opposite direction.

According to police, following the accident Wilson was taken to Chikwawa District Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Two other passengers in the minibus sustained serious injuries while three passengers escaped with minor injuries.

Mfune added that the driver has since been arrested and will be taken to court to answer the charge of causing death by reckless drive, contrary to Section 126 of Road Traffic Act.

The deceased hailed from Sande 2 Village in Senior Chief Maseya in Chikwawa District.