KARONGA, Malawi, June 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 25 people were killed and 12 others injured in a road accident happening Saturday in Karonga, a northern district of Malawi, according to local authorities.
Among the dead victims, 18 individuals lost their lives at the scene of the accident, while seven others, who were identified as players and supporters of Nyungwe Soccer Club, died at Karonga District Hospital, said David Sibale, the director of Health and Social Services for Karonga District Council.
According to the initial reports provided by the police, the accident occurred around 8 p.m., local time, when a ten-tonner lorry, carrying 80 passengers and traveling from Chitipa to Karonga, overturned as the driver failed to navigate a corner along Tenenthe Hills and collided with the road embankment.
George Mulewa, the spokesperson for Karonga Police, revealed that a thorough investigation is currently underway to obtain comprehensive details regarding all those involved in the accident.
Local reports indicate that Malawi has seen a rise in road accidents in recent years, with 1,529 people killed and 573 others sustaining injuries in 5,553 accidents in 2022.