TANZANIA Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) has sued Likili Motorways Limited in the Lusaka High Court demanding more than K2 million and US$698.316 for damaging their locomotive, in an accident that their bus caused, leading to numerous casualties and fatalities.
In a statement of claim, it was submitted that on July 2, 2023 TAZARA’s train, No M22 departed from Kapiri Mposhi Train Station at or about 12:38 hours in the afternoon.
And approximately at 13:09 hours in the afternoon while the plaintiff’s train was approaching the highway level crossing situated between Mpika and Sabwa Kabila section, the train collided with the defendant’s bus Reg No BBC 3955.
The Authority said the cause of collision was due to the negligence of the Likili Motorways driver who was negligent and careless as he failed to give way to the oncoming train and consequently collided with the train.
The plaintiff said the defendant owed a duty to care to all road users and other persons including the plaintiff to exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence while operating the said vehicle.
“The Likili driver drove the said bus recklessly and negligently and in a manner dangerous to the public.”
“The driver without properly assessing the situation or ensuring it was safe to do so, negligently attempted to or actually crossed the runway tracks at or near the crossing while a train was approaching or present,” read the document.
The Authority said the Likili driver failed to reduce speed, stop or take adequate precautions as required by law and common practice when approaching a railway crossing.
“As a direct result of the defendant negligence the vehicle was on or near the railway tracks at the time the train was approaching,” it was revealed.
The plaintiff said the defendant’s negligent actions contributed to the collision wherein, the train operated by the plaintiffs capsized, derailed and caused extensive damage to the tracks and locomotive and also caused numerous casualties and fatalities among the bus passengers.
” [TAZARA] has suffered loss of earnings as the line was closed and incurred great expenses during the salvaging and rescue operations.”
“The accident as earlier stated was caused by the failure of the Likili driver’s nonstop at the level crossing,” the plaintiff submitted.
The Authority claims damages for negligence said they want damages in the sum of K2,925, 137. 31.
“Special damages being the sum of K2, 925, 137 31 and the sum of US$ 698.316 being the sum of the full cost of replacement of the damaged wagon repair of the damaged locomotives DE 1000 $ ADD 3005 , coach 2208 , 3204 wagon 748,” filed TAZARA.
By Lucy Phiri
Kalemba July 31, 2025
