Child falls into Kafue River, drowns, as crowds gather to watch passage of abnormal truck in Kitwe

The Kitwe City Council has confirmed the tragic drowning of a child in the Kafue River on Wednesday, during the much-anticipated passage of the Cooler Box Unit through the city.

Mwaka Nakweti, the council’s Public Relations Manager, revealed that the incident occurred in the Luangwa area around 11:00 hours, as residents gathered to witness the abnormal truck’s movement.

“Our Fire Brigade received a report of a child who fell into the Kafue River while trying to view the passing Cooler Box Unit,” Nakweti stated.

The incident had sparked a full-scale search and rescue operation, with emergency response teams working tirelessly to locate the child.

“Our fire and rescue team, alongside other authorities and emergency response units, is conducting an intensive search and rescue operation,” she added.

The exact circumstances leading to the fall remain unclear, with investigations currently underway.

The tragic event has highlighted safety concerns around public gatherings near rivers and other potentially hazardous areas.

Nakweti urged residents to exercise extreme caution near the riverbank and emphasised the importance of cooperating with rescue teams during the ongoing operation.

“As the search continues, we advise the public to remain vigilant and to prioritize safety in such situations. Further updates will be provided as we receive more information,” she said.

The passage of the Cooler Box Unit, an abnormal load transport, had drawn significant attention in Kitwe, resulting in heightened activity in the area.

Authorities have called on parents and guardians to closely monitor children during public events to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

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