Zambezi man dies in horrific motorcycle accident

A 26-year-old man in Zambezi District has died after being involved in a horrific motorcycle accident right at the entrance of the Zambezi District Hospital. The deceased, identified as Blessings Chinyama, met his fate yesterday in a freak accident involving two motorcycles and an oxcart. According to an eyewitness, Dennis Kawembo, Mr Chinyama was riding his motorbike when he encountered an oncoming oxcart and moved to the side of the road to allow it passage.

However, in the process of maneuvering, he lost control and had a head-on collision with another motorcycle that was coming from the opposite direction. The impact of the crash threw Mr Chinyama forward, and the other motorcycle subsequently landed on him, causing fatal injuries. Zambezi District Health Director (DHD), Digani Daka, confirmed the incident and expressed deep sadness over the incident, describing the loss of such a young life as a tragedy that could have been avoided.

“It is a very unfortunate incident. I am told there was an oxcart coming and the gentleman moved to the side, but unfortunately another motor bike was coming in the opposite direction. In the process, the guy lost control and had a head-on collision.

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He died on the spot,” Dr Daka said. Dr Daka has since sounded an alarm over the rising cases of Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) involving motorbikes in the district, noting that the hospital was becoming overwhelmed with patients suffering from severe injuries and fatalities. Dr Daka further stated that to address the crisis, his office was planning to hold an emergency meeting with the District Commissioner (DC) and the Zambia Police Traffic Department.

He added that the meeting aims to address the conduct of bikers, many of whom were reportedly failing to observe basic traffic rules. He observed that the number of motorcycles on the road has increased significantly, posing a grave danger to both the riders and pedestrians. He emphasised that the lack of adherence to road safety regulations was the primary driver of the increasing mortality rate in the district.

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