Seven passengers have died, and twelve others sustained injuries in a road traffic accident that occurred today around 10:30 hours in Lunkunyi area along the Zambezi-Chavuma Road in Zambezi District.

The accident involved a Toyota Hiace Quantum, registration number AID 6983ZM, which was transporting Chavuma Town Council football players and some officials from Chavuma to Mufumbwe for a match. The vehicle was driven by Chilobe Brian, a 30-year-old male from Zambezi Township, who is among the deceased.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred when the driver, operating the mentioned motor vehicle was driving at an excessive speed and later lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn three times in the opposite lane before coming to rest on its wheels. The driver sustained fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

In addition to the driver, the other six deceased have been identified as follows:

1. Makina Gedion, 26, of Chavuma Centre
2. Chiteta Raymond, 22, of Chavuma Centre
3. Kanshimba Kenneth, 38, of Chavuma Centre (employee of Chavuma Town Council)
4. Kapalu Donny, 30, of Chavuma Centre
5. Steven Tembo, 21, of Chavuma Centre
6. Kaumba Chitale, 20, of Chavuma Centre

The following have sustained injuries and have been admitted to Chavuma District Hospital for treatment:

1. Ngiza Raymond, 24
2. Lungena Sunday, 22
3. Kamilembwe Ernest, 25
4. Siasingele Jimmy, 30
5. Makina Elijah, 36
6. Muyutu Hebex, 19
7. Sakala Blessings, 32
8. Musa Simunga, 31
9. Chikwama Donicious, 23
10. Chinyama Kahokola, 21
11. Ndungu Joel, 24
12. Kabambi Peter, 17

The bodies of the deceased are in Chavuma District Hospital mortuary, awaiting postmortem examinations.

Further investigations into the accident are ongoing, and the public is urged to exercise caution on the roads.

Godfrey Chilabi
Assistant Public Relations Officer.