FOUR DEAD, 36 INJURED IN RUFUNSA ROAD ACCIDENT

Four people have died while 36 others have sustained injuries following a road traffic accident on the Great East Road in the Lukwipa area of Rufunsa District.

The accident, which occurred around 11:00 hours, involved a Zhongtong Public Service Vehicle (PSV) bus, registration ADE 5711, operated by Power Tools Company, and a Volvo truck and trailer, registration numbers AJE 4462 and ALF 7035T.

According to Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, preliminary investigations indicate that the truck driver, identified as 25-year-old Paul Banda of Sinda District, moved into the opposite lane while attempting to avoid a stationary vehicle, resulting in a head-on collision with the oncoming bus.

“The truck driver moved into the opposite lane while trying to avoid a stationary vehicle, colliding head-on with the oncoming bus,” Chilabi said.

The bus driver, Ask Mulobela, and his son, who was the conductor, Innocent Mulobela, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead upon arrival at Mpanshya Mission Hospital.

Two passengers who were travelling on the truck also died in the accident. They have been identified as Fortune Mwanza and an unidentified man believed to be aged between 25 and 30.

Police say the bus was carrying 57 passengers, 35 of whom sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at Mpanshya Mission Hospital.

The truck driver, who is also admitted to the hospital, is reportedly in serious condition.

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Mpanshya Mission Hospital Mortuary, where they await identification and postmortem examinations.

Both vehicles were extensively damaged in the accident.