One person has died and four others injured following a fatal road traffic accident that occurred in the early hours of today along the Great East Road near UNO Filling Station in Chongwe.
In a statement issued to RCV News, Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga said the accident that happened around 02:00 hours, involved a Volvo truck, registration number ABX 4403, which was loaded with charcoal moving from the eastern direction towards the western direction.
Mr. Hamoonga said the truck, driven by Tebson Mujulu, male, who fled the scene, collided with a GWM van, registration number ABL 289, as it attempted to overtake improperly.
He said the van, which was also travelling west, was being driven by 31-year-old Gilbert Mudenda of the Waterfalls area. Mr. Mudenda was trapped in the wreckage and later rushed to Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred when the driver of the Volvo truck attempted to overtake improperly and in the process collided with the GWM van, which was in front and turning right,” said Mr. Hamoonga.
He said the van was extensively damaged.
Mr. Hamoonga said on board the Volvo truck were four male passengers identified as Bright Mweetwa, aged 32, Lewis Siakalampisia, aged 27, Luckson Sialenga, aged 25, and Francis Sakala, aged 30, sustained various injuries and were all rushed to Chongwe District Hospital where they are receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hamoonga said a price list pillar, property of UNO Filling Station, was also damaged in the accident.
He has since extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Mr. Hamoonga has further appealed to drivers to exercise maximum caution on the road, avoid improper overtaking, and strictly adhere to traffic regulations to prevent loss of life and property.
By Margaret Mwanza
