Six Die, 27 Injured in Rufunsa Road Accident

Six people have died, while 27 others have sustained serious injuries in a road traffic accident involving a Mitsubishi Rosa minibus along the Great East Road in Rufunsa District.

The accident happened around 10:30 hours on October 19, 2026, in the Manenekela Hills area and involved a public service vehicle that was towing a trailer.

Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Chipo Kaitisha says all six victims were pronounced dead upon arrival at Mumpansha Mission Hospital, where their bodies have been deposited in the mortuary pending post-mortem examinations.

Ms Kaitisha says the driver, identified as 43-year-old Richard Phiri of Kamwala South in Lusaka, also sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment at the same hospital.

Preliminary investigations indicate that excessive speed may have contributed to the accident, while police investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have also appealed to members of the public who may know the unidentified female victim to assist in tracing her relatives.