Spokesperson for Rumphi police station Sergeant Tupeliwe Kabwilo said the motor vehicle had 30 passengers on board who were all going to attend a funeral ceremony in the area.

"Indeed three people have lost their lives in a road accident that occurred on Saturday at Mphora at Hewe in Rumphi district," confirmed Kabwilo. 

Sergeant Kabwilo said on a fateful day, Vitumbiko Nkosi, aged 42, was driving an unregistered motor vehicle, Tata Lorry coming from Mzuzu heading Hewe with 30 passengers on board.

Upon arrival at the said place, Nkosi lost control of the motor vehicle and went offside the road, hitting trees and injuring several people in the process.

Three people were pronounced dead upon arrival at Rumphi district hospital, while Nkosi and others are receiving medical treatment at the same health facility.

The deceased are Kenani Mkandawire, 60, Rose Mkandawire 37, and Dorothy Chavula 35 all from Vimba Village under Traditional Authority Mtwalo in Mzimba District.