Confirming the development, Nkhotakota Police Station spokesperson, Sergeant Paul Malimwe said the accident occurred at a place called Mtayamphasa involving a Mazda 2-tonner lorry, registration number BX 2016.

Said Sergeant Malimwe, “the motor vehicle was coming from Kasungu heading to Nkhotakota with 17 passengers on board. The people were returning to Nkhotakota from a tombstone unveiling ceremony in Kasungu.”

He added that upon arrival at Mtayamphasa in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, the driver failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the vehicle due to overspeeding and overturned.

“Three people were pronounced dead upon arrival at Nkhotakota District Hospital and the fourth one died while in hospital.

Sergeant Malimwe identified the dead as four-year-old Aaron Raphael, Chifeni Gafuled, 33, Helena Chiwasa, 45, and Elita Chilima, 21.

Aaron Raphael and Herena Chiwasa hailed from Chiwaula village while Chifeni Gafuledi hailed from Chanika village, in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Malengachanzi in Nkhotakota. Elita Chilima hailed from Mnjowe village, TA Chilowoko in Ntchisi district.

Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for the driver who is reported to have bolted after the accident.

Once found the driver, who is not yet known, will be charged with causing death by reckless driving.