By Clever Knack Zulu
LUSAKA, April, 23, 2025 – This morning around 02:30 hrs, I witnessed a two car road crash involving a Mazda CX-5 and a Toyota Allion saloon car.
Two people died on the scene, two were injured and rushed to Levy Mwanawasa hospital whilst the driver of the Mazda CX-5 came out with minor scratches and did not require immediate medical attention.
The crash occurred after the Mazda CX-5 rammed into the Toyota Allion which was being pushed to the gas station after running out of fuel. Three men were pushing the car whilst the lady was inside in the passengers side in the front seat.
Because of poor visibility as a result of non functioning street lights and no warning lights coming from the car being pushed, and also an element of speeding from the Mazda CX-5 driver, people nor the car being pushed could not be seen in good time. The Mazda CX-5 driver failed to apply the brakes and hit the people and the car that was being pushed. The Allion was extensively damaged and the two pushers were fatally injured. The third pusher was thrown off the road and survived with injuries whilst the lady passenger of the Allion also survived but with serious spinal injuries.
The cars were moving on the east bound lane from town direction to Chelstone.
LESSONS TO BE LEARNT FROM THIS CRASH
- You should never push a vehicle on the highway when visibility is poor. Mostly when you are pushing a car, the reflectors behind are covered by the people pushing hence making both the car and the pushers invisible to the drivers following behind.
- Always ensure you safely push the vehicle off the road when you have a breakdown that does not involve wheels and suspension parts and move away from the vehicle and don’t sit inside regardless of the time of the day.
- Always drive at the recommended speed limit especially at night because visibility is poor. Driving at the recommended speed limit ensures that you have enough braking time to avoid a calamity.
May The Souls of the Departed Rest in Peace and wishing the injured a quick and full recovery.