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| Zambia: Many dead in bus and lorry crash north of Lusaka | Zambia: Many dead in bus and lorry crash north of Lusaka |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| At least 51 people were killed in a crash between a bus and lorry in Zambia, police say. | |
| The death toll could rise as soldiers and firefighters are still looking for trapped bodies, police spokeswoman Elizabeth Kanjela was quoted as saying. | |
| The accident occurred about 100km (60 miles) north of the capital Lusaka on a two-lane highway known for heavy traffic. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
| A survivor was quoted as saying the bus had been swerving to avoid an oncoming vehicle. | |
| 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. | 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. |
| President Michael Sata conveyed his government's "deepest condolences to the beloved families on the death of their beloved ones" and wished the injured a speedy recovery, AFP said. | |
| Police are investigating the cause of the crash, Ms Kanjela said. |