Five Council fire fighters have died on the spot along Chirundu/Kafue Road at Kapilingozi area as they were rushing to rescue someone who was trapped in a vehicle that was involved in a road accident along the same road, reports Pan African Radio Journalist Hermit Hachilonde.
Zambia police Deputy Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said the accident happened yesterday on 12th March 2016 around 19:00 hours.
He said the deceased have been identified as Kamalondo Godfrey, Simukonda Lackson, Kaula Oscar, Happy Mwansa and Lackson Sinkamba.
The Deputy Service Spokesperson also said that the other two accident victims they sustained serious injuries and are admitted at Mtendere mission hospital in Chirundu.
He said the accident happened after the driver of the fire tender lost control due to over speeding which lead to the vehicle hitting into a hill and over turned.
Mr. Hamoonga noted the driver of the vehicle is among the dead and the bodies of the deceased are lying in Mtendere mission hospital mortuary.
“Yesterday around 19:00 hours, we as Zambia police received a report of the road traffic accident involving the crew of seven fire fighters from Chirundu district, who were rushing to another scene of road accident where one person was trapped in a motor vehicle wreckage and five of them in including the drive died on the spot.
The other two sustained serious injuries and are in Mtendere Mission Hospital” Rae Hamoonga said
This world we live in, my friends! May their souls rest in peace.
So sad. How could trying to save one life require that five are lost? RIP.
Rescue workers deserve proper tools and equipment, including vehicles in order for them to be effective and for them be guaranteed of their own safety so that they are able to rescue other people in need. The Fire Engine in the pic above looks ROTTEN and appears to have been a death trap rather than a rescue machine. This is very very sad indeed. My syphathies go to the affected families and friends. MTSRIP.
TO BAD AND MAY THE LORD COMFORT THE FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND.
May Their Souls Rest In Internal Peace! Amen!
So sad! I have used that road on several occasions, believe you me its one of the most dangerous roads in Zambia because of the hilly terrain. You always need to be cautious whenever you are driving along this road! May the souls of our departed brothers rest in eternal peace.
This Heading is misleading. These were noblemen, FIRE FIGHTERS, not violence causing human beings. Please editor, correct the heading. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.
I wonder if the teach these people how to drive fire trucks at their fire schools …this was a case of reckless overspeeding!!
So sad to lose lives like that/this.Please emergency response in Zambia is a joke.Government need to pump more money and resources in this dept/field.Question that need to be asked and answered:
1)Was Fire Tender truck roadworthy and when was it last serviced?
2) Was the driver of the competent and when did he last attended refresher course on high speed rescue operations?
3)How is the work roster of the driver? Was he fatigued/did he had enough rest? What about his fitness for work-alcohol test etc
4) Was the driver familiar with the road terrain?
5) Last one but not the least Chirundu is a district,Why does it not have its own emergency rescue services like Fire trucks and axillary fire fight equipment?
Am not trying to blame any one here but we would like us to learn and put up…
I like your questions Abena Digger let these questions be answered please.
So sorrowful to have lost our beloved brothers, may there souls rest in peace. My Lord God comfort the families and us friends in this hard time
Comment:
When are equipping our rescue teams with air equipment such as choppers
Comment:too bad.m.h.s.r.p
My prayers and thoughts are with this fire department and their families. Godspeed to the fallen five.
descansen en paz estos heroes
I blame poor or lack of proper training
R.I.P. Brothers you are in our prayers
From: Washington Twp. VFC 42
Fayette County Pa USA
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of our brothers. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you.
When I’m called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage
Give me strength to save a life
Whatever be its age
Help me to embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person
The horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert
To hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
Put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
To give the best in me
To guard my neighbor and
Protect his property
And if according to your will
This is my final call
Bless with your protecting hands
My…
I shed tears for my fallen brothers! Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured and God to comfort families
of the deceased. Again I say, “If according to your will, I have to lose my life…….”