Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Death toll in Powertools RTA shoots up.
Twenty Two people have died, while 48 others have sustained serious injuries after a Power Tools Scania Bus which was coming from Nakonde heading to Kitwe was involved in an accident in Serenje District of Central Province.
Both the Police and Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) have confirmed the development to QTV News that the accident involved a Power Tools Scania Bus registration number ACR 6315 which was coming from Nakonde heading to Kitwe with 70 passengers on board.
The accident happened in the early hours of today, 16th September, 2016 at about 01:30 hours, 2 Km from Serenje turn off in Malekani area when the driver of the bus Baron Chibwe, 39 failed to negotiate a curve due to excessive speed.
Among the deceased, are 15 males, five females and one female juvenile.
Three officers, one from RTSA identified as David Manjulunji and two from Fire Brigade identified as Ernest Mulenga and Mubita Simasiku who were among the officers that were conducting a rescue operation at the scene of the accident died on the spot while six police officers sustained injuries after they were hit by a truck laden with bags of maize which failed to break as it approached the accident scene and the driver did not stop after the accident.
The truck had earlier hit into a RTSA toll truck which was packed at the scene of accident.
The total number of people who have died in both accidents is 25
The total number of people who have died in both accidents is 25.
Eleven bodies of the deceased have been transported to Kabwe General Hospital mortuary, 12 are in Serenje General Hospital mortuary; one body has been identified and picked by relatives while the body of Mr Manjulunji has been transported to University Teaching Hospital Mortuary in Lusaka.
Investigations have been instituted to bring to book the driver of the truck who is currently on the run.
Both police and RTSA are proposing to government to ban public transport vehicles from moving at night so as to avoid occurrences of such accidents.
This is contained in a statement issued to QTV News by Police Deputy Spokesperson Esther Katongo and RTSA Head of Public Relations Fredrick Mubanga.
Power Tools accident in Serenje