Truck laden with cotton burns to ashes

A Lusaka bound container truck laden with cotton this morning burst into flames on the Great North road in Chibombo district.

Chibombo District Commissioner Barnabas Musopelo told ZANIS that the accident happened between Mukalashi and John Chinena area in the district.

Mr. Musopelo said the fire is suspected to have been caused by overheating.

He explained that the fire fighters, who rushed to the scene, also established that the fuel tank lid of the truck was open.

Mr. Musopelo said efforts by Chibombo District Council Fire Brigade to save the truck and the cotton from being destroyed in the fire failed.

He further said the driver and the lorry boy of the truck are believed to have fled the scene of the accident.

Meanwhile, the DC said another Lusaka bound truck careered off the road this morning at the Farm Stall on the Great North road.

Mr. Musopelo said the driver of the truck also disappeared from the scene of the accident as he is believed to have fled the scene.