At least 23 women were killed and several others injured when a lorry overturned on a road in northern Zambia during a church trip.
Seventeen people died on the spot while six others were pronounced dead on arrival at a local clinic.
The Sunday accident in Nsama district involved the Women’s Christian Fellowship group from the United Church of Zambia.
The lorry was carrying 51 passengers. The driver survived but sustained injuries.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said the driver was speeding and failed to negotiate a curve, according to the state-owned Times of Zambia newspaper.
President Hakainde Hichilema, who is away in New York for the UN General Assembly, has condoled with the families of victims.
He wrote on his Facebook page: “We are saddened to hear the tragic news of the [women] who died in a road accident in the early hours of this morning…
“We send our message of condolences and prayers to the church and the affected families to find comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ. We also wish the injured, a quick recovery.”
