Nine dead in Mpika crash involving Toyota mini van, TAZARA train

Nine people have died in a tragic road traffic accident that occurred on the morning of July 5, 2025, around 09:30 hours, approximately five kilometers off the Great North Road in an area known as Kasanga, in Mpika District of Muchinga Province.

The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) expressed sadness over the incident, according to a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, July 6, 2025, by the agency’s Head of Public Relations, Chilufya Mwelwa.

RTSA Chief Executive Officer, Amon Mweemba, extended condolences to the bereaved families, describing the accident as both tragic and unfortunate.

According to Mweemba, the crash occurred when the driver of a Toyota Noah, registration number BCB 9391 ZM, attempted to cross a railway line and collided with a southbound Travion locomotive operated by Tanzania-Zambia Railways (TAZARA).

Eight passengers died on the spot, while one later succumbed to injuries in hospital.

He said RTSA, in collaboration with the Zambia Police Service and TAZARA, has launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the accident, adding that measures are being implemented to prevent similar occurrences in future.

These include the installation of boom gates at all railway crossings in partnership with TAZARA and Zambia Railways.

Mweemba urged all motorists to follow traffic regulations, particularly during the long weekend, and to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

He encouraged the use of designated sober drivers and observance of speed limits.

“The RTSA continues to call on members of the public to exercise patience on the roads and report all reckless, careless, and dangerous drivers to the RTSA National Call Centre via the Toll-Free line 983 or WhatsApp line 0965 429499,” he said.

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