A tragic incident has struck Chawama compound in Lusaka, where a four-year-old girl lost her life after a wall fence collapsed on her and three other children.
The devastating accident occurred while the children were playing near the structure, unaware of the looming danger. According to eyewitness accounts, a sudden loud bang echoed through the area, followed by a collapsed with the children trapped beneath the rubble.
Family members and nearby residents rushed to the scene in a desperate attempt to rescue the victims. Unfortunately, the four-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries before she could receive medical attention.
Meanwhile, the three other children sustained minor injuries and were quickly taken to a nearby health facility, where they received treatment before being discharged.
The deceased’s grandmother, Bessy Malomo, described the moment as heartbreaking, stating that the children had been innocently playing when the tragedy happened.
Local authorities have since been informed of the incident, and investigations are expected to be carried out to determine the cause of the wall’s collapse. Preliminary concerns point to poor construction materials, which have been longstanding issues in many informal settlements.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by substandard infrastructure and highlights the need for greater vigilance in ensuring child safety in residential areas.
By Elfi Mwale Shampande
