A United Party for National Development (UPND) team in Chama district in Muchinga province, was at the weekend involved in a fatal road accident.
The team, which was on a campaign trail, had three of its members dead and two others seriously injured.
Muchinga Province Police Divisional Commissioner Lizzie Machina confirmed the accident to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Chinsali yesterday and said two victims died on the spot while one died on the way to the hospital.
Ms. Machina said UPND Chama North Constituency aspiring candidate Hellen Ngulube and Newton Nyirenda, the aspiring candidate for the position of Council Chairperson who were driving in the same convoy with other party members, escaped unhurt.
“Two people died on the spot one died on the way to the hospital and two others have been seriously injured and rushed to Isoka district hospital for medical treatment,” she explained.
She said the accident occurred on Sunday June 27, 2021 around 17:00 hours at Sese village on Chilumbi hills, which are about 45 km West of Mafinga district along the Muyombe-Isoka gravel road.
She said Robert Zulu aged 43, of Chama district was driving a Toyota Hilux registration number ARB 6644 from Chama to Mulilo village with five passengers on board going for campaigns.
Ms. Machina said the accident happened when the vehicle was descending the Chilumbi hills at a fast speed, causing the driver to lose control and in the process overturned on the left side of the road.
She added that due to the impact, three passengers sustained fatal body injuries and two died on the spot while one died on the way to the hospital.
The deceased have been identified as Agnes Manda aged 37, Sarah Ngulube aged 24 and Moses Lungu aged 25, all of Chama district.
Those who escaped with serious body injuries have been identified as Florence Nguni aged 36 and Alick Kabandama aged 25.
Ms. Machina said the driver, Robert Zulu, sustained a backache and general body pains.
“The motor vehicle incurred extensive damages. All the victims are admitted to Isoka district hospital for medical attention,” said Ms. Machina.
Careless and criminal driving of vehicles.
The driver must be charged for murder by dangerous driving. These drivers have stopped caring about who’s on board and what are consequences of dangerous driving.
HOW MANY DRIVERS WILL PASS A NEW TEST ???
LICENCES ARE GIVEN ANYHOW
SORT RTSA OUT AND THIS WILL SAVE LIVES
TAXIS OWNED BY POLICE AND ARMY PERSONAL DONT ABIDE BY ANY RULES AND ARE NEVER TAKEN OFF THE ROAD
BA UPND,SUSPEND THE CAMPAIGNS FOR NOW…WE ALREADY KNOW WHO WE ARE GOING TO VOTE FOR!
Sad. Did the breaks fail?
Sacrificed by Under 5
Oh no. What a tragedy. May God comfort the family. I wish those injured quickest recovery. We cannot afford to lose more people due to accidents amid a covid catastrophe. This is adding more strain to the already overwhelmed health system. God heal our land, we pray!
Zambians drive vehicle in neutral when going down hill to save petrol.
Its strange the way Africans think.
Coasting is dangerous. What is it? When you engage neutral gear, you are no longer in full control of your vehicle. Also, without any engine braking, you would be placing a lot of pressure on your car’s brakes when going downhill. When you are in gear, you can also react quicker and act accordingly to road hazards ahead