Road traffic accident claims four lives near Kasama

Four lives have been tragically lost in a road traffic accident (RTA) that occurred in the Misamfu area, approximately five kilometers north of Kasama on the Mbala road.

This development was confirmed by the Zambia Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday.

Among the deceased was 21-year-old Gift Bwalya from Mulenga Hills Urban in Kasama District, who was driving a Toyota Vitz with registration number APB 4089.

His three passengers also perished at the scene: 51-year-old Charles Mwape, Joan Bwalya (estimated to be between 40 and 45 years old), and 24-year-old Blessings Mapalo.

Hamoonga said all occupants of the Toyota Vitz hailed from Namulundu compound in Kasama District.

He explained that the accident also involved a Tata truck with registration number BCB 2083ZM, owned by Zambia Forest and Forestry Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) in Kasama.

Hamoonga said the truck, driven by 37-year-old Robert Sinyangwe from Central town in Kasama District, was headed from North to South.

He added that Sinyangwe fled the scene immediately following the accident.

“Of the six passengers on board the Tata truck, Amos Mulenga (23 years old) from Henry Kapata Village in Kasama District sustained suspected internal injuries and was currently unconscious, while the remaining five sustained minor injuries and received treatment.

“The injured passengers included Justin Sinkala (31 years old), Victor Mulenga (21 years old), Timothy Nkalamu (56 years old), Mathews Pambi (30 years old), and Morgan Mutale (30 years old), hailing from various villages in Kasama and Mungwi Districts,” Hamoonga said.

According to Hamoonga, the accident occurred when the driver of the Tata truck failed to stay on his near side, colliding with the Toyota Vitz traveling in the opposite direction.

The impact caused the Toyota Vitz to veer off the road to the western side, resulting in damage to both vehicles.

“The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Kasama General Hospital Mortuary pending Postmortem examination, while the injured party was receiving treatment at the same hospital,” he said.

Investigations into the accident are currently ongoing.

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