Maravi

Death toll in Nyimba accident reaches 27

Death toll in Nyimba accident reaches 27
By Masuzyo Chakwe, Lambwe Kachali and Christopher Miti
Monday June 16, 2008 [04:00]

POLICE spokesperson Bonny Kapeso yesterday said the death toll in the Nyimba accident had reached 27. And Lusaka Province minister Lameck Mangani attributed accidents in the country to the corrupt system in the issuance of drivers’ licences. The accident, which followed a tyre burst around 13:00 hours on Saturday at Nyalugwe turnoff, an area between Kacholola and Luangwa, has also left 54 people injured. Kapeso said 26 people died on the spot while the 27th died yesterday morning. He said the bus was overloaded as it was carrying 82 passengers instead of the required maximum of 60.

Kapeso said the driver of the bus was still at large.
And Mangani said people should not solely blame the bad state of roads as the major cause of accidents but the system under which drivers’ licences were being issued to people.

He said most drivers obtained Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences through corrupt means.

He said unless such vices were curbed, the country would continue to lose lives through accidents.

Mangani called for the formation of technical groups of bus inspectors who could conduct routine checks on all long distance public buses.
He said the technical group of bus inspectors should also look into mechanical problems most buses on long routes faced.

Mangani said some of the problems that caused rampant accidents were petty but because of lack of inspection, the buses were put on roads and consequently caused accidents.
"We had the UBZ (United Bus of Zambia), although accidents were there, they were not as rampant as they are today. In Eastern Province, almost every month, lives are lost in accidents, why?" Mangani asked. "I will start lobbying the government and business community to immediately form this honourary group of bus inspectors. These professionals should be given a mandate to ensure that only a bus which is fit should be on the road."

And police sources at the scene said 17 bodies had been taken to Chipata General Hospital mortuary, five bodies to St Francis Mission hospital mortuary in Katete district while three bodies were taken to Petauke District Hospital mortuary.
Eastern Province minister Charles Shawa described the accident as a big tragedy in the province.

Labels: BONNIE KAPESO, CAR ACCIDENTS, ROADS

posted by MrK @ 12:12 AM