A BABY below the age of two has miraculously survived an accident that has claimed the lives of its mother and two others who died on the spot in Lusaka’s Ibex Hill area around 10:00 hours this morning.
According to authorities, the accident occurred when the driver of a Toyota Hiace minibus bearing registration number BAJ 3856 with fleet number LSK 15183 lost control of the vehicle due to excessive speed, causing the minibus to veer off the road to the left, overturning twice, and halted against a wall fence.
According to an eye witness, the bus was coming from Mtendere East and was headed to town before it met the accident that claimed the lives of the three women leaving the baby with injuries.
An eye witness who was on the scene told Kalemba that one of the deceased women, who died had with her a baby aged below 1 year six months and was among the multiple passengers that survived.
While police are yet to identify the mother and one other deceased victim, police spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga has identified one of the deceased as a nursing student at Woodlands Nursing School, Ruth Museteka, aged between 20 and 24 years.
Hamoonga said after the accident, the driver who was among the survivors fled the scene and is currently being pursued by the police that are trying to track all possible leads to locate him.
“We urge any individuals with relevant information to come forward to assist in the investigation,” said Hamoonga.
He further identified some of the survivors who sustained injuries of varying degrees and are receiving medical care at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and Hilltop Hospital as Arnold Chulu, 42 who sustained chest pains and facial bruises and Sandra Lusambo, 19 who reported chest and back pain.
Also involved was Constance Mutama, 27 who complained of shoulder and chest pains, Ruth Zulu, 64, who sustained chest pains, a swollen left leg, and a right wrist injury, Tonny Muzukila, 42, who suffered body bruises and neck pain.
Hamoonga also identified Joseph Muntanga, 43, as a survivor who sustained bruises on the right arm and chest pains, Coriphas Mweetwa, 30 of Makeni who sustained a painful shoulder and neck, and Dorcas Mwewa, aged 28 who is also of Woodlands Nursing School and sustained a painful neck, left-hand injury, and a cut on the head.
He further indicated that two unidentified male adults sustained severe head injuries and remain admitted in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at UTH.
“Our condolences go out to the families of the deceased, and we extend our sympathies to all affected by this unfortunate incident. The Zambia Police Service remains committed to enforcing road safety measures and urges all drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragic occurrences,” said Hamoonga.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
