By 
Zambia Police Service and Zambia Railways Limited have confirmed a fatal railway incident involving a runaway wagon that resulted in the deaths of two people in the Kafue area.
The train was hauled by Locomotive No. 2601 with 20 wagons of coal and experienced an accidental wagon parting at approximately 09:30 hours on June 20, 2026, while moving along the Chipongwe and Lilayi section in Lusaka.
The joint statement was issued on Friday, in Lusaka by Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi and Zambia Railways Limited Public Relations Officer, Sombe Ng’onga, after preliminary investigations into the accident involving Goods Train No. 526.
The duo said the last loaded coal wagon became detached and proceeded to run uncontrolled in the Southern direction, passing through Chipongwe Station and proceeding towards Kafue before eventually coming to a stop between Kafue and Nega-Nega section.
Preliminary reports indicate that Goods Train No. 526, hauled by Locomotive No. 2601 with 20 wagons of coal, experienced an accidental wagon parting at approximately 09:30 hours on 20th June 2026, while moving along the Chipongwe and Lilayi section in Lusaka.
“Tragically, the wagon hit two pedestrians shortly before Kafue Bridge, resulting in their deaths on the spot,” Chilabi and Ng’onga said.
Preliminary findings suggest the individuals were walking within the railway reserve strip adjacent to the railway line and attempted to cross the track but were unable to do so safely.
Police officers who visited the scene identified one of the deceased as female adult, Queeniva Musonda, aged 32, of Lumumba Compound, Kafue, who is believed to have been engaged in vending activities at the bridge area.
Read More: Zambia Police trace taxi from viral assault video, seek unidentified passengers
“The male victim has been identified as Dyson Simpamba aged 58 of Kafue,” the duo saif.
A physical inspection of the bodies by the law enforcement agencies revealed multiple severe injuries consistent with being hit by a moving railway wagon.
Chilabi and Ng’onga said the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at Kafue General Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.
“Zambia Police Service and Zambia Railways Limited extend sincere condolences to the bereaved families,” the statement added.
Investigations have been instituted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Chilabi and Ng’onga said further information would be communicated as investigations progress.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments