Five critically injured footballers evacuated as Zambia mourns seven lost in tragic team bus crash

©Courtesy

Five critically injured footballers evacuated as Zambia mourns seven lost in tragic team bus crash

Festus Chuma 20:30 - 28.10.2024

A tragic accident claimed the lives of seven Zambian footballers, leaving the nation in mourning and raising questions on safety.

Zambia is mourning the tragic loss of seven footballers from Chavuma Town Council Football Club who were killed in a devastating road accident on their way to a league match.

The incident, which has left the entire South African nation in shock, also resulted in 11 others being injured, with five of the critically injured players now urgently evacuated to Lusaka for specialized treatment.

The accident occurred when the van transporting the players overturned between Lukhunyi and Ndondo in Chavuma District, a tragedy that cut short the lives of seven players and left their families and teammates grappling with profound loss.

According to early reports, the team was en route to a North Western Province Division One League match against Mufumbwe Marketeers when the accident occurred.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed his condolences in a heartfelt statement, recognizing the deep pain caused by the accident.

"It is with profound sadness that I learned of the tragic road accident that claimed the lives and severely injured members of the Chavuma Town Council Football Club," said Motsepe.

"I convey my personal and CAF's deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, as well as to the Football Association of Zambia. We hope and pray that those who were injured will fully recover soon. May God comfort and console the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased and the Football Association of Zambia."

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Andrew Kamanga also expressed his sorrow and pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

"I am deeply saddened at the news of the accident involving Chavuma Council Football Club that has led to seven deaths," Kamanga said.

"It is still too early to get the full picture, but our prayers are with the families of the deceased and the injured. We are in touch with the football, civil, and law enforcement authorities in the province to furnish us with full details."

Of the 11 injured players, five have been identified as requiring immediate specialized medical attention and were flown to Lusaka.

The players—Blessings Sakala, Chinyama Kahakola, Ndungu Joel, Kavemba Peter, and Musa Simoonga—are now in the care of medical professionals who are working tirelessly to stabilize their conditions.

The Zambian government along with local authorities is coordinating efforts to support the families of the deceased players and the injured survivors.

The loss is particularly heart-wrenching for the close-knit community of Chavuma where football clubs like the Chavuma Town Council Football Club play a pivotal role in community pride and spirit.

Tags: