Eleven people died on the spot in the Munali Hills traffic accident that happened around 20:00 hours yesterday on the Kafue-Mazabuka road.

According to Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) head of public relations Frederick Mubanga, the accident happened after a Hino Ranger truck ferrying about 53 people from Lusaka to Chikanta village in Choma, lost control and overturned whilst descending the Munali Hills.

He said among the deceased are three children.

“The Hino Ranger truck AKB 2872 belongs to Mr Andrew Kazanyika of Kasukwe Basic School in Choma. According to eyes witnesses, the driver of the truck lost control whilst descending the Munali hills and fell into a ditch. The truck was laden with assorted goods and items among them a hammer mill; and a total number of 53 passengers are believed to have been on the truck,” Mubanga said.

He added that 39 injuries were recorded with one female in a critical condition referred to the University Teaching Hospital.

“Five people escaped with minor injuries that didn’t require immediate medical attention. The driver’s whereabouts are not known but eye witnesses say the drivers exchanged after passing Turnpike. As RTSA we call upon the travelling public to ensure that they use appropriate modes of transport for both goods and passengers. The crash could have been avoided had the travellers used a more safe and appropriate means of transport,” said Mubanga.