Long Weekend Accidents Claim 47 Lives across Zambia, Police Say

POLICE has recorded an increase in the number of people who lost their lives during this year’s heroes and unity holidays due to road traffic accidents.

Police deputy spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has told Mwebantu that 47 people lost their lives as compared to 29 people who died last year.

The increase of deaths represents 62 percent to the number of people killed last year.

“A total number of 282 road traffic accidents were recorded during the period as compared to last years’ 285, indicating a decrease of three road traffic accidents,” Mr Hamoonga said.

He said Copperbelt recorded the highest number with 66 road traffic accidents, followed by the Lusaka with 64, Southern and Central provinces both recorded 34 each.

In North Western 20 accidents were recorded, Luapula recorded 10, Northern Nine, Muchinga Seven and Western recorded five road traffic accidents which was the lowest.

Mr Hamoonga said out of these accidents, 38 were fatal, 29 serious injuries, 65 slight injury and 140 damage only accidents.

He said the increase in accidents has been attributed to human error such are over speeding and non-compliance to road traffic rules and regulations by motorists and pedestrians.