By 
Seven people have died following a tragic road traffic accident that occurred on Thursday, July 24, 2025, around 15:00 hours at Lunga Bridge, along the Solwezi–Chingola Road.
The accident involved a Zhong Tong bus, registration number BCE 1011 ZM, belonging to Likili Motors of Lusaka. The bus, which had 36 passengers on board, collided with a truck carrying an abnormal load.
Police spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed the incident in a statement issued Thursday evening.
The bus was being driven by Francis Mutale, 49, of Lusaka, who sustained a swollen right hand and general body pains. A second vehicle, a Howo truck carrying a protruding abnormal load, was being driven by Charles Mumbi, 48, of Ndola. He escaped unhurt, and the truck, registered BCB 4782 ZM / BCC 4074 ZM, belonging to Handvic of Solwezi, did not sustain any damage.
Hamoonga said seven passengers died on the spot, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The deceased were identified as:
1. Sakala Penjani (43) – of unknown address
2. Kalenga Misheck (35) – of Kalumbila
3. Fahan Ali Yousuf (37) – of unknown address
4. Kayuka Machayi (23) – of Mwinilunga
5. Nickson (approx. 30–35) – other names and address unknown
5. Two unidentified male adults
The injured passengers were named as follows:
1. Prince Masachi (21) – bruised elbow, general body pains
2. Moreen Kalabi (29) – general body pains
3. Florence Bwalya (26) – fractured right leg
4. Nyambe Purity (34) – fractured right leg
5. Mary Chisha (54) – fractured right leg, forehead cut, general body pains
6. Kangwa (25–30) – severe injuries, in critical condition
7. Unknown male adult (30–40) – severe injuries, in critical condition
8. Moses Mwenya (28) – general body pains
9. Thelma Chomba (23) – general body pains
10. Juvenile Mwiinga Savior (7) – painful left hand
11. Chiinda Doris (44) – fractured left leg
12. Shaloba Clever (47) – cuts on left hand.
Seventeen other passengers escaped unhurt.
According to preliminary investigations, the accident occurred when the bus, traveling east to west, collided with the protruding abnormal load of the oncoming truck, despite advance warning from an escort vehicle.
Hamoonga said the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at Solwezi General Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examination, while the injured are receiving treatment at the same hospital.
He urged operators of long-distance passenger buses and abnormal load vehicles to strictly observe road safety regulations and escort vehicle instructions to avoid further tragedies.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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