THREE people from Zambia Army have died on the spot while four others sustained injuries when a Zambia Army vehicle plunged into Msandire River on Monday.
Acting Eastern Province Police commanding officer Davies Simwanza said the accident occurred due to excessive speed.
He stated that the accident occurred between 18 and 19 hours along Eastern Girls Road in Chipangali District.
“Involved was a motor vehicle namely namely URAl truck reg. no. AF 1501 which is extensively damaged and belongs to Gondar barracks which was being driven by staff Sgt. Banda Selostino, adult of Gonda barracks from South to North who sustained fatal head injuries and died on the spot,” Simwanza stated.
He stated that Sgt Banda was carrying six passengers on board.
“Daniel Mwamba of Gondar sustained fractured right leg and fatal head injuries and died on the spot,( 2) m/Chisomo Daka adult also of Gondar who sustained fatal head injuries and fractured right hand and died on the spot,( 3)Yobe Nyirenda aged 34yrs aiso of Gondar who sustained a cut on the fore head, chest pain and general body pains, (4) Liuetenant corporal Nyambe Namakau (female) aged 24 years of Gonda barracks who sustained swollen left hand and general body pains, (5) corporal Mirriam Mupeta aged 19 years also Gonda barracks who sustained cuts on the fore head and painful left hand and ( 6) m/Soko Reuben aged 26 years of Mzabwera v/ge D/ chipata and this four passengers are admitted to Chipata Central Hospital,” Simwanza stated.
He stated that the bodies of the deceased were by press time being deposited to same hospital mortuary awaiting post mortem examination.
Simwanza stated that the accident happened when the driver now deceased failed to negotiate a curve due to excessive speed and went into the river.
