🇿🇲DEVELOPING | Chipata-bound bus carrying schoolchildren crashes off Great East Road near Lukwipa
A Chipata-bound passenger bus carrying mainly schoolchildren returning to school has crashed off the Great East Road in the mountainous stretch between Rufunsa and Luangwa Bridge, according to preliminary information reaching The People’s Brief.
The accident happened near Lukwipa village, about 30 kilometres from Felma Trust School. Images and accounts from the scene indicate the bus left the highway and went into the bush, sustaining damage.
Preliminary eyewitness accounts allege the bus was attempting to overtake on a curve when an oncoming vehicle appeared. The driver is reported to have swerved off the road to avoid a head-on collision.
Police have not yet confirmed the circumstances of the crash, and we are treating the account of overtaking and speed as preliminary.
There is no confirmed casualty figure at this stage. The condition of the passengers and the total number of people aboard are also still being established.
Communication from the accident scene has been difficult because of poor mobile network coverage in the mountainous area, leaving some passengers unable to immediately contact relatives. This is particularly concerning because many of those travelling on the bus are reported to be schoolchildren.
Witnesses have also claimed the driver left the scene following the accident. Police have not yet confirmed his whereabouts or whether authorities are looking for him.
The crash brings renewed attention to safety along the Great East Road following another serious accident on the corridor within the past two weeks.
This is a developing story. Police confirmation on casualties, the identity of the bus driver and the circumstances leading to the crash is awaited.
The People’s Brief | Ollus R. Ndomu
