News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TWO PEOPLE DIE IN RUNAWAY WAGON INCIDENT FOLLOWING TRAIN PARTING IN KAFUE

Lusaka , Zambia , 20^th June 2026-  Zambia Police Service and  Zambia Railways Limited  regret to confirm a fatal railway incident involving a runaway wagon that resulted in the deaths of two (2) people in Kafue area.

Preliminary reports indicate that Goods Train No. 526 , hauled by Locomotive No. 2601 with 20 wagons of coal, experienced an accidental wagon parting at approximately 09:30 hours on 20^th June 2026, while moving along the Chipongwe and Lilayi section in Lusaka. As a result, the last  loaded coal wagon became detached and proceeded to run uncontrolled in the southern direction.

The runaway wagon continued its movement along the railway line, passing through Chipongwe Station and proceeding towards Kafue before eventually coming to a stop between  Kafue and Nega- Nega section.

Tragically, the wagon hit two pedestrians shortly before Kafue Bridge, resulting in their deaths on the spot. The deceased comprise one female adult and one male adult.

Preliminary findings suggest that the individuals were walking within the railway reserve strip adjacent to the railway line. Upon noticing the approaching wagon, they are reported to have attempted to cross the track but were unable to do so safely.

Police officers who visited the scene identified one of the deceased as  female adult, Queeniva Musonda, aged 32, of Lumumba Compound, Kafue, who is believed to have been engaged in vending activities at the bridge area. The male victim has been identified as Dyson Simpamba aged 58 of Kafue.

A physical inspection of the bodies revealed multiple severe injuries consistent with being hit by a moving railway wagon. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at Kafue General Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

Investigations have been instituted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Zambia Police Service and Zambia Railways Limited extend sincere condolences to the bereaved families.

Further information will be communicated as investigations progress .

Issued jointly by:

Godfrey Chilabi                                                                           Sombe Longwani Ng’onga

Public Relations Officer                                                              Manager Public Relations

Zambia Police Service                                                                 Zambia Railways Limited