A Power Tools public service bus was completely destroyed by fire in the early hours of today August 29, 2025 along the Great North Road near Goodman Hardware in Kabangwe.
All passengers were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
In a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today, Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga said the incident occurred around 04:00 hours and involved a Zhongtong bus, registration number AIB 8569, driven by 38-year-old Bellington Mwape of Zanimuone area.
Mr. Hamoonga said the bus was en route from Lusaka’s Intercity Bus Terminus to Kitwe with an unspecified number of passengers on board.
“The driver noticed a strange smell and smoke coming from the engine area as the bus reached the vicinity of Chaisa Compound. Acting swiftly, he stopped at Chaisa Bus Stop and instructed all passengers to disembark, prioritizing their safety,” said Mr. Hamoonga.
Mr. Hamoonga said Mr. Mwape proceeded to drive the now-empty bus towards a nearby garage for inspection, the vehicle suddenly caught fire, reportedly due to a suspected mechanical fault involving burning airbags.
He said the driver managed to jump out of the moving bus, which then rolled across the road and was entirely consumed by the flames.
Mr. Hamoonga said investigations into the exact cause of the fire are underway.
By Margaret Mwanza
