By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Three people have died while ten others sustained serious injuries after a Toyota Hiace minibus overturned along the Great North Road in Lusaka’s Savanna Hill area.
According to the Zambia Police Service, the accident happened around 06:00 hours on Thursday at the 11 Miles area as the minibus was heading to the Lusaka Central Business District.
Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said the vehicle, registration number BCG 9740, was being driven by 48-year-old Kennedy Pungwa of Chazanga Compound and was carrying sixteen passengers.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred while the vehicle was ascending a hill. It subsequently rolled backwards and overturned, resulting in injuries to passengers and extensive damage,” Mr Chilabi said.
He added that three passengers, two males and one female, sustained fatal injuries.
“Their identities have not yet been established. The bodies have been deposited in the University Teaching Hospital mortuary awaiting identification and postmortem examination,” he added.
Mr. Chilabi explained that ten passengers sustained serious injuries and were admitted to the University Teaching Hospital, while three others escaped unhurt.
“The driver sustained slight injuries and is receiving treatment at Chipata Level One Hospital,” Mr. Chilabi said.
He stated that police had launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the accident, including the possible mechanical condition of the vehicle and other contributing factors.
Mr. Chilabi urged motorists to exercise caution when driving on hilly terrain and to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before undertaking any journey.
