Tragic car fire claims life of Lusaka man; wife, son escape death

A man from Lusaka’s Meanwood Chamba Valley has tragically died after his car caught fire while driving along PHI Road near Hybrid roundabout.

Danny Mwale, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, reported that the incident occurred on July 6, 2024, at around 20:00 hours.

Mwale’s statement, issued on Sunday in Lusaka, detailed that Nkowani Nhtinkani, aged 48, was driving a Toyota Runx with his wife and their 16-year-old son when the vehicle caught fire while in motion.

The son escaped without injuries, leaving his parents trapped inside the burning car.

“Members of the public who responded to the incident managed to rescue his wife, but efforts to save Mr. Nhtinkani were unsuccessful,” Mwale stated.

The vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire, with Mr. Nhtinkani inside. His remains were collected by police officers and taken to the University Teaching Hospital mortuary for postmortem.

“His wife, who sustained severe burns, is receiving treatment at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital. Investigations to determine the cause of the fire are underway,” he added.

In a separate incident, Mwale reported that a 66-year-old man from Barlastone Park, Lusaka, was detained for failing to secure a firearm.

On July 6, 2024, at around 17:00 hours, a security guard at East Park Mall informed police officers about a Nissan Fuga with an open front window and a pistol on the passenger seat.

Police secured the firearm and clamped the vehicle.

Later, at around 21:00 hours, Paul Moonga presented himself to the police, claiming ownership of the firearm and vehicle.

Moonga was detained as investigations continue to verify the ownership of the firearm and vehicle.

The vehicle, bearing registration number BAX 7809, was parked at the police station for safekeeping.

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