14 passengers severely injured in a road carnage in Solwezi District

14 people, including three children who were pedestrians, have been seriously injured following a head-on collision accident involving two buses.

The accident happened yesterday around 18.20 hours in Solwezi’s Mushitala area.

Northwestern province Commissioner of Police Eugene Sibote confirmed the accident to ZANIS in Solwezi today.

Mr Sibote said the accident involved a Mitsubishi bus registration number ACV 7630 and a Toyota Hiace passenger bus registration number ACV 3301 that collided on Kansanshi mine road.

He said the Mitsubishi bus, which eye witnesses believe was carrying mine workers coming from Kansanshi mine, lost control after overtaking another vehicle and hit into an oncoming Toyota Hiace.

Mr Sibote said one of the vehicles also struck three toddlers of ages one year six months, five and seven who suffered fractured limbs.

He said four women and three men, who were on the Mitsubishi bus and other four men from the Toyota Hiace minibus also suffered severe injuries.

The Police chief said all the casualties are admitted in Solwezi general hospital and that the unidentified driver of the Mitsubishi bus is currently on the run.

Meanwhile, Mushitala residents this morning ran amok stoning vehicles and blocked the road that goes to Kansanshi mine to protest over the accident.

Police in riot gear broke up the protest and arrested 30 protesters who have been charged for riotous behavior.

Mr Sibote warned that police will not condone lawlessness and will deal severely with those who want to engage in such acts.