Four Dead, 36 Injured in Rufunsa Road Accident

The Zambia Police Service has recorded a fatal road traffic accident in which four people died and 36 others sustained injuries along the Great East Road in Lukwipa area, Rufunsa District. The accident occurred around 11:00 hours and involved a Zhongtong Public Service Vehicle (PSV) bus, registration ADE 5711, belonging to Power Tools Company, and a Volvo truck and trailer, registration AJE 4462 and ALF 7035T. This is according to a statement issued by Zambia Police Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi. Police say preliminary investigations indicate the truck driver, Paul Banda (25) of Sinda District, moved into the opposite lane while trying to avoid a stationary vehicle, colliding head‑on with the oncoming bus. Both the bus driver, Ask Mulobela, and the conductor, Innocent Mulobela – his son – sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead upon arrival at Mpanshya Mission Hospital. Two passengers on the truck also died: Fortune Mwanza and an unidentified male believed to be aged between 25 and 30. Of the 57 passengers on the bus, 35 sustained injuries and are admitted to Mpanshya Hospital alongside the truck driver, who is in serious condition. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at Mpanshya Mission Hospital Mortuary awaiting identification and postmortem examinations. Both vehicles were extensively damaged.