An 11-year-old boy yesterday died on the spot while three other juveniles sustained injuries after being hit by flying stones from a quarry in Katombola, Southern Province.

In a statement today, police spokesperson Esther Mwaata Katongo stated that the juveniles were passing 50 meters away from the blasting point.

“A male juvenile aged 11 years died on the spot while three others sustained serious injuries after they were hit by flying stones from a stone blasting quarry at AJM/SHP quarry in Katombola area of Kazungula District. The quarry belongs to a retired Colonel Adam Jansen Mwandila operating in partnership with Mr Shi-Hai-Feng, a Chinese national. The incident happened yesterday 19th November 2017 at 09:00 hours when the juveniles were passing, 50 meters from the blasting point,” Katongo stated.

“The deceased had a ripped stomach, a cut on the head and broken ribs, while the survivors aged, four and seven years sustained multiple injuries and were rushed to Livingstone Central Hospital for treatment. Two of the three boys were treated and discharged while one is still admitted in hospital due to serious injuries sustained. The body of the deceased person is lying in Batoka Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.”

She stated that irate villagers broke some company machinery after the incident.

“After the incident irate villagers ran amok and started throwing stones breaking wind screens to company machinery and window panes to offices. The value of damage caused is not yet established. Calm was only restored after Police Officers were deployed to the area. Police have opened an inquiry in the matter,” stated Katongo.