Neno Police have since launched a manhunt for the driver of a Honda Fit, registration number BZ 2105 that was involved in the head-on collision with a Hijet Pick-up, registration number DZ 12684, who bolted from the scene.

Spokesperson for Neno Police Austin Kamwendo, has confirmed the development and identified the deceased as driver James Mauricio, Janet Gilbert, Robert Joseph, Chrissy Chikafa, and Eliza Chimwemwe, all residents of Yoyola Village, Traditional Authority Symon in the district

“We have deployed our [men on the ground] to locate the driver to face [appropriate] charges and provide insight into the circumstances surrounding the accident,” Kamwendo stated.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occured when the Hijet, from Zalewa en route to Kwam’mwamba with five occupants, including the driver James Mauricio, collided with the Honda Fit which was travelling in the opposite direction from Kam’mwamba.

The driver of the Honda Fit apparently lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the Hijet.

Mauricio and all passengers in the Hijet, were pronounced dead upon reaching Lisungwi Community Hospital.

Two passengers who were in the Honda Fit are receiving medical treatment at the same hospital.