A tragic electrocution in Lusaka’s Kabanana area has claimed the lives of a 44-year-old woman and her 10-year-old daughter, while injuring a second daughter who attempted to rescue them.
According to police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, the incident occurred around noon yesterday when the mother, Priscilla Mwansa, was electrocuted while hanging laundry on a washing line. The line had made contact with electrically charged iron sheets on the roof of the home.
Upon seeing their mother in distress, her two daughters, 24-year-old Roma Banda and 10-year-old Faith Banda, rushed to help. During the rescue attempt, the drying wire snapped, causing all three to fall to the ground.
Priscilla Mwansa and young Faith Banda died instantly at the scene. Roma Banda sustained burns on her hand and is currently receiving treatment at Chipata Level One Hospital.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the University Teaching Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Personnel from ZESCO Limited were notified and attended to the scene to address the electrical hazard.
Police have opened an inquiry file into the matter.
