Nineteen mobile market operators locally known as ‘Munada’ traders have died after the truck they were traveling in overturned and plunged into Chambeshi River in Mungwi District.
ZANIS reports that Regional Police Commissioner Jestus Nsokolo confirmed the accident in an interview among the deceased includes fifteen men and three women.
“ The accident happened around 21:30 hours at Kalikeka village in Mungwi District involving a Benz Atego Truck registration number ACV 501 which was carrying fifty seven passengers and driven by Lewis Mutale believed to be a Kasama resident.
“ Five victims are nursing serious injuries and are admitted to Kasama General Hospital while 21 others escaped unhurt, “ said Mr Nsokolo.
He further disclosed that bodies of the deceased have been deposited to Kasama General Hospital mortuary where health officials and relatives are conducting the identification.
He attributed the accident to over-speeding and over-loading adding that the driver is currently on the run.
Mr Nsokolo has since urged transporters to strictly abide by traffic regulations to avoid accidents.
And Northern Province Permanent Secretary Royd Chakaba has described the accident as tragic saying government is saddened by the loss of eighteen lives.
Disclosing that government will take charge all the funeral expenses, Mr Chakaba has since wished the bereaved families God’s strength during the period of mourning.
And Northern Province Health Director Lawrence Phiri has advised bereaved families not to hold funeral gatherings owing to the rising cases of COVID-19 amidst the third wave.
Meanwhile, Northern Province Munada Association Chairperson Brandon Mwambazi called for calm among the bereaved.
May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace!!
You feel for unlucky families who hv lost loved ones so unnecessarily. Who over-speeds while approaching a river? This is all part of general indiscipline by drivers in Zambia. Wht did Zindaba Soko do for road safety in Zambia? Now I hear he is a parliamentary candidate in Chipata Central constituency.
The guest of honor at this funerals will be Nkandu Luo. This will be PF devil’s gift to win some votes, PF prayers are being answered.
They are even praying for KK to die before August 12th so they own the funeral.