A Shalom Bus, registration number BAB 2898, was gutted by fire at the Ten Miles area in Mazabuka while en route from Lusaka to Johannesburg, South Africa.
The incident occurred around 05:30 hours, leaving 18 passengers unharmed.
In a statement, Southern Province Police Commissioner Moono Namalongo said police received a report from the driver, Edwin Hamulonga of Lusaka’s Kamwala South area.
Mr. Moono said when the bus reached the 10 Miles area, a motorist alerted the driver to check the rear of the vehicle.
Upon inspection, the conductor discovered that the rear-mounted engine compartment had caught fire.
Although the driver and conductor attempted to extinguish the fire using fire extinguishers, their efforts were unsuccessful.
Police officers, together with personnel from the Fire Department under Zambia Sugar Company, found the bus completely burnt out.
All 18 passengers and crew members escaped unharmed, and all luggage was safely removed.
Police said the cause of the fire has not yet been established, but preliminary indications suggest it originated from the rear-mounted engine.
By Helga Chibwe
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