A total of 16 people are battling for their lives at Ngabu health Centre after minibus they were travelling in overturned last night in Chikwawa.

The spokesperson for Chikwawa Police Station, Dickson Matemba, said the accident occurred at Kulima Village in the district along the Nsanje – Chikwawa M1 Road.

The spokesperson said a Toyota Hiace minibus, registration number NE 4851, driven by Kassam Ahamad from the direction of Nsanje to Nchalo had 16 passengers on board.

He said after arriving at the accident scene, Ahamad lost control of the vehicle due to overspeeding eventually a rear tyre burst forcing the vehicle to overturn.

Following the impact, several passengers sustained injuries and some were taken to Ngabu Rural Hospital where they are receiving medical care.

Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for the driver who is at large.