Two NAC members die, 35 seriously injured

Two members of the New Apostolic Church (NAC) in Sioma District of Western Province have died in a fatal road accident while 35 are seriously injured.

The deceased were identified as Kaunda Mutumbu aged 22 of Mashika area in Sioma District and another man who is yet to be identified.

In a statement issued by Police Deputy Spokesperson Danny Mwale, the accident occurred on December 23, 2022 around 18:20 hours at Namangolwa area along Kalongola – Kaungalweti road in Sioma District.

Mwale said involved in an accident was a Tractor BAJ for the Ministry of Agriculture in Nangweshi which was hired by New Apostolic Church members for a Christmas Festival in Nalolo District.

It was driven by Tiyeho Tiyeho aged 29 of Nangweshi area with 40 church members on board the tractor trailer.

“The accident happened when the driver lost control of the tractor as he was descending a hill causing the the trailer to detach from the tractor and went off and overturned throwing passangers to the ground.

“Due to the impact, two passengers sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead upon arrival at Nangweshi Hospital.

“Thirty – five (35) others sustained serious injuries and are admitted to Nangweshi and Senanga hospitals where they are receiving treatment,” he said.

Mwale said the deceased’s bodies were deposited in Senanga Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

“The tractor’s trailer was damaged.

“The driver is detained in police custody charged with causing death by dangerous driving,” Mwale said.