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Zambia: Many dead in bus and lorry crash north of Lusaka | |
(35 minutes later) | |
At least 51 people were killed in Zambia when a bus and lorry collided at high speed, police say. | |
Police spokeswoman Elizabeth Kanjela was quoted as saying the death toll could rise as soldiers and firefighters were still looking for trapped bodies. | Police spokeswoman Elizabeth Kanjela was quoted as saying the death toll could rise as soldiers and firefighters were still looking for trapped bodies. |
The accident occurred about 100km (60 miles) north of the capital Lusaka on a two-lane highway known for heavy traffic. | |
Poorly maintained and overloaded vehicles are commonplace in Zambia. | Poorly maintained and overloaded vehicles are commonplace in Zambia. |
Nonetheless, this is said to be one of the worst traffic accidents in the country's history. | Nonetheless, this is said to be one of the worst traffic accidents in the country's history. |
According to reports, the bus was operated by the Zambia Postal Service, which provides passenger services on buses which carry post, and was full of people. | |
There was serious speeding by all the vehicles involved, Harry Kalaba - an official in the vice-president's office - told AFP news agency from the crash site. | |
Some 22 dazed or unconscious survivors were being treated in a nearby missionary hospital, AFP said, while more seriously injured casualties had been taken to hospital in Lusaka. |