Six people have died while 27 others have sustained serious injuries in a road traffic accident in Rufunsa District along the Great East Road.
Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer, Chipo Kaitisha, said the accident occurred today at around 10:30 hours in the Manenekela Hills area of Rufunsa.
In a statement issued in Lusaka, Kaitisha said the accident involved a Mitsubishi Rosa public service vehicle registration BLA 782 ZM towing a trailer registration BAE 6628, which was travelling from east to west.
“The vehicle was being driven by 43-year-old Richard Phiri of Kamwala South, Lusaka, who sustained serious injuries and is currently admitted to Mumpansha Mission Hospital,” she said.
Kaitisha said the vehicle had 33 passengers on board at the time of the accident. Six died while 27 others were seriously injured.
She said the deceased have been identified as Emeldah Lungu, Esnart Zulu, Wisdom Lungu, Natasha Daka, Maureen Lungu aged 40 of Chawama Compound, Lusaka and one unidentified adult female.
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“All six victims were pronounced dead upon arrival at Mumpansha Mission Hospital. Their bodies have been deposited in the hospital mortuary pending post-mortem examinations,” Kaitisha said.
She said the Rosa bus was extensively damaged and had since been secured at Rufunsa Police Post pending examination by the Road Transport and Safety Agency.
Preliminary investigations indicate that excessive speed may have contributed to the accident, though investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may know the unidentified deceased female to visit Mumpansha Mission Hospital to assist with identification.
Kaitisha reiterated the service’s call on motorists, particularly public service vehicle drivers, to observe speed limits and exercise heightened caution on hills, bends and other hazardous sections, while extending condolences to bereaved families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
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