By HELLEN TEMBO –
THE Government is saddened by the death of 12 people following a road traffic accident on the Solwezi-Mutanda Road in North-Western Province.
Vice-President Inonge Wina said the Government was saddened with the loss of lives in an accident caused by a tyre burst, forcing the Hiace minibus the 12 were on, to collide with a Volvo truck belonging to First Quantum Minerals.
Ms Wina said in a statement yesterday that it was disheartening that road traffic rules continued to be ignored at the expense of innocent lives.
“I urge all road users, both drivers and passengers, to ensure safety first. It is our responsibility to demand and make sure that road accidents are reduced,” she said.
Ms Wina said it was evident that gross indiscipline contributed to road carnage.
She urged the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to provide a toll-free number which should be made visible inside all public service vehicles.
Ms Wina was hopeful that the Lord would comfort the bereaved families.
Meanwhile, six of the eight injured people have been identified.
Those identified are Golden Kampamba, 22, of Lusaka, Albert Kambimbi, 22, of Kasempa, Davies Mushike, 22, of Kasempa and Florence Maini, 26, of an unknown address.
Others are Annie Mulenga, 52, of Chiwempala in Chingola and Davies Chikakatula, 20, of Kyawama in Solwezi.
One male adult and two male juveniles have not yet been identified.
One of the deceased, who was only identified as Mukuya, has now been identified as Mukuya Boyd of an unknown age, while the other nine are yet to be identified.
This is according to a statement issued by Police deputy spokesperson Rae Hamoonga.
“We are appealing to members of the public who suspect that their relatives could have boarded the same Toyota Hiace minibus registration number ACT 1199 to go to Solwezi General Hospital mortuary and help identify the unidentified deceased persons,” Mr Hamoonga said.