According to Harry Namwaza, deputy spokesman for the Malawi Police Service, all passengers aboard the minivan were burned beyond recognition, leaving no survivors.
“The driver was overspeeding and hit the tanker while attempting to overtake it,” explained Namwaza.
The minivan, heading towards Lilongwe, the nation’s capital, tragically burst into flames after the collision.
Road accidents continue to pose a major threat in Malawi, with over 4,977 crashes recorded last year alone, including 389 fatal incidents, according to police data.
Just last weekend, 10 people were killed when a speeding vehicle careened into a marketplace in the southern part of the country.
Experts cite reckless driving and poor road conditions as key contributors to the high accident rate in the region.