SEVEN people have died and nearly 30 others have been left nursing injuries after a horrific crash involving a passenger bus and an abnormal load truck along the Solwezi–Chingola road.
The accident happened around 15:00 hours yesterday near Lunga Bridge, turning what was supposed to be a routine journey into a nightmare for 36 passengers aboard a Likili Motor bus.
The bus, a Zhong Tong with registration number BCE 1011 ZM, collided with the protruding load of an oncoming Howo truck, which was being escorted but still posed a deadly danger on the narrow highway.
Among the seven who lost their lives on the spot were 43-year-old Penjani Sakala, 35-year-old Misheck Kalenga from Kalumbila, 37-year-old Fahan Ali Yousuf, 23-year-old Kayuka Machayi of Mwinilunga, and a man only identified as Nickson, aged between 30 and 35.
Two other male victims remain unidentified.
Twenty-nine others were left with a spectrum of injuries, from general body pains to broken legs and severe trauma.
Among the injured was 7-year-old Mwiinga Savior from Kangwena, who sustained a painful left hand, and 54-year-old Mary Chisha of Manyama, who suffered a fractured leg, a forehead cut and other injuries.
Seventeen passengers miraculously escaped without a scratch.
According to police, the bus was driven by 49-year-old Mutale Francis of Lusaka, who sustained a swollen right hand and body pains, while the truck, property of Handvic in Solwezi and carrying an abnormal load, was being driven by 48-year-old Charles Mumbi of Ndola, who walked away unhurt.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the incident saying initial investigations suggest the tragedy could have been avoided.
“The accident occurred when the Zhong Tong bus… collided with the protruding abnormal load from the oncoming truck, despite warnings being issued by an escort vehicle ahead of the truck,” Hamoonga stated.
Police have since deposited the bodies at Solwezi General Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem, while the injured are receiving treatment at the same facility.
Authorities have urged transporters to take road safety seriously and adhere to warning protocols, especially when operating abnormal loads or long-distance passenger services.
Meanwhile, investigations into the incident are ongoing as families come to terms with the devastating loss of their loved ones.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 25, 2025
