Tragedy struck in Zomba District as a vehicle carrying 36 passengers from a wedding overturned and plunged into Mapalo River, resulting in eight fatalities and nine serious injuries.

The incident occurred on October 8, 2023, around 21:30 hours, along the Domasi-Malosa M3 road. The Toyota Hiace with registration number MH 8238, driven by Pongola Imani, was en route from Domasi to Malosa.

At the Mapalo bridge, the driver lost control of the vehicle due to speeding, causing it to overturn and land in the river.

Eight passengers, including Saina Biliati, Mirriam Kalitendere, Adijah Kalonga, Amina Kalinoti, Lutani Piyasi, Lifa Banki, Saina Chombe, and Mussa Ali, sustained severe injuries and tragically lost their lives upon arrival at Zomba Central Hospital.

The nine other passengers who survived the accident are currently receiving medical treatment at the same facility.