Eight people died in a head-on collision on the Great North Road in Chibombo in the early hours of Sunday, in what police describe as a case of improper overtaking.
Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi confirmed the incident, saying the crash occurred around 03:00 hours opposite the China Jiangxi Economic Zone and involved a Nissan Caravan minibus, registration AJG 1180ZM, and a Hino Ranger truck, registration ABT 5624.
Police say the driver of the minibus attempted an unsafe overtaking manoeuvre, leading to the fatal impact. All six passengers on the minibus, five unidentified females, and one unidentified male died on the spot together with the minibus driver. The driver of the Hino Ranger also died at the scene.
The truck’s lone passenger survived but sustained serious injuries and was taken to Liteta Hospital.
Police investigators are on site to establish further details. The bodies of the deceased are in Liteta District Hospital Mortuary awaiting identification and postmortem examinations.
The Zambia Police Service has urged motorists to observe traffic rules and avoid dangerous overtaking to prevent further loss of life.
By Rachel Mumba
