Three men are receiving treatment at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH) after a government ambulance crashed into a street pole and billboard along Great East Road in Lusaka on Friday evening.
The Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi says the serious road traffic accident occurred around 20:00 hours near the Marshlands area.
Police have identified the driver as Owen Chimutiko, 33, of Lusaka, who was driving a Mercedes Benz ambulance, registration number GRZ 103 CM, from east to west when he allegedly lost control of the vehicle.
The two passengers injured in the crash have been identified as Shepande Chalwe, 54, of Lusaka, and Kayombo Mushimbe, 52, of Garden House, Lusaka.
LMUTH Public Relations Officer Nancy Malitoli confirms that all three victims have been admitted to the hospital following the accident.
Ms. Malitoli says one of the victims sustained a fractured tibia, while another suffered bruises to the head and was rushed to the radiology department for a CT scan to assess the extent of the injuries. She adds that the third victim is also receiving medical attention, although details of his injuries have not yet been disclosed.
She saysall three patients remain under medical review as doctors continue assessing their conditions and determining the appropriate treatment.
According to police, preliminary investigations indicate that the driver allegedly lost control of the ambulance before it crashed into a street pole and a billboard. The vehicle sustained extensive damage.
Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the accident.
By Mulenga Chipampe Makasa
