By MUNAMBEZA MUWANEI  and FRANCINA PHIRI –
SEVEN passengers aboard a Toyota Hiace minibus have died in a road traffic accident on the Choma-Namwala Road.
The accident happened on Saturday evening, near Tunga area, leaving 18 survivors who were being treated at the Namwala District hospital.
The driver, Bright Hadunka, 46, of Mumbwa died after losing control of his vehicle and overturning in the process.
The minibus had a registration number, BAE 2682.
Southern Province police Commissioner Bonny Kapeso confirmed the accident in a statement yesterday.
“The accident happened on Saturday. The driver is among the five people that died on the spot, while two other passengers died at Namwala Hospital, where they were admitted,” Mr Kapeso said.
Mr Kapeso cautioned motorists driving at night to be cautious to avoid accidents.
Meanwhile a 37-year-old business executive celebrating along with others the purchase of a bus in Kawambwa has been run over by an unidentified vehicle.
James Chibwe was celebrating the purchase of Higer Bus for his colleague Chanda Wesu, when he was hit by the vehicle and died later at the hospital after suffering multiple injuries.
Luapula Province police Commissioner Hudson Namachila confirmed the death of Mr Chibwe of Mawewe Village in Chief Munkanta’s area.
“The businessmen were in the central business area celebrating when in the process Mr Chibwe met his fate,” Mr Namachila said.
Police were investigating the hit-and-run incident.
The body of the deceased was at Kawambwa hospital mortuary.