14 people have died while 15 others have sustained serious injuries after a Solwezi-bound bus they were travelling in hit into a stationary truck.

The accident occurred Wednesday night at Emmanuel area along the Solwezi-Chingola road about 60Km east of Solwezi Boma involving a Zhong Tong bus belonging to the Scorpion Bus company.

Police spokesperson Esther Katongo confirmed the accident, saying it happened when the driver of the bus identified as Eddie Katoyo, aged 32, lost control of the vehicle and hit into a stationary Freightliner truck, which had a breakdown on the road.

“Involved was male Katoyo Eddie, aged 32, of Kambazhi area of Kalumbila District, who whilst driving a motor vehicle Zhong Tong bus registration number BCA 8977 property of Scorpion Bus Services along Solwezi – Chingola road in the direction of east to west hit into a stationary Freightliner articulated truck registration number ACZ 9253 ACP 3864T, which had a breakdown on the road and being under the charge of unknown person. The accident happened when Eddie Katoyo drove the said bus at an excessive speed and after overtaking several vehicles he lost control of the bus and went to hit into the rear part of the broken down Freightliner truck and trailer,” Katongo stated.

She stated that 14 people died due to the impact of the collision, while 15 others sustained serious injuries.

“Due to the impact of the collision, the following occupants of the bus sustained fatal injuries: Noble Nsofu; Mtonga Sllister; Savior Chungu Mulenga; Maron Chabala Kapambwe; Temwani Chifunda; Victor Khakeni; Boniface Chisala plus four unidentified male adult persons and three unidentified females bringing the total number of the dead to 14. Those that sustained serious injuries included three female adults and 12 male adults. All are admitted to Solwezi General Hospital. The bodies of the deceased are deposited in Solwezi General Hospital mortuary awaiting post mortem,” stated Katongo.

And Katongo stated that the driver of the bus is yet to be charged with 14 counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Meanwhile, according to a statement issued by DMMU Communications Officer Racheal Mupanga, Vice-President Inonge Wina directed the DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe to ensure all funeral supplies and logistics were put in place to lessen the burden on the bereaved families.