Massive ZESCO Substation Explosion Plunges Several Lusaka Areas into Darkness
A ZESCO substation located in Northmead, Lusaka, exploded, resulting in power outages in multiple areas, including Rhoespark, Garden, Thornpark, Northmead, and parts of Fairview.
The explosion occurred during repair works, undertaken by three ZESCO Limited employees, who observed sparks and a subsequent massive bang.
The aftermath saw installations at the substation completely consumed by fire, leading to panic among nearby residents and workers.
Despite efforts by the fire brigade, the initial response faced challenges as the water pump gears on the first fire machine failed to engage.
A second fire machine, later reinforced by the Zambia Airforce (ZAF), eventually gained control over the situation.
This unfortunate incident is not the first time the substation has experienced a fire, causing concerns among residents about the safety of the facility.
The situation unfolded amid fears for lives and property, emphasizing the critical need for thorough investigations into the root causes and preventive measures.
Road Traffic Accidents Surge in Zambia: Fourth Quarter Statistics for 2023
The Zambia Police Service has released alarming statistics on road traffic accidents during the fourth quarter of 2023. A total of 9549 accidents were recorded, marking an increase of 479 compared to the same period in 2022.
While there was a reduction in fatal accidents and the number of persons killed by 55 and 65, respectively, there was a concerning rise in serious injuries and slight injuries.
Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of accidents (5526), accounting for 57.9% of the total incidents. Human error was identified as the primary cause, with excessive speed (16.5%), misjudging clearance distance (16.4%), and failing to keep to nearside (15.2%) being the top contributing factors.
Children under the age of sixteen bore a significant portion of the casualties, with an increase of 58 compared to the previous year. Despite efforts to enforce road safety, the surge in accidents highlights the need for enhanced measures to address noncompliance among road users.
The Zambia Police, through Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga, stressed the importance of addressing noncompliance levels to curb the rise in road traffic accidents.
The report also highlighted a reduction in admission of guilty fines, suggesting a potential shift in enforcement strategies.
As Zambia grapples with these challenges, it becomes imperative for authorities to not only investigate and address the recent ZESCO substation explosion but also to implement comprehensive strategies for road safety to protect lives and property across the nation.
