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By GIDEON NYENDWA
AT least 28 people have died in 23 fatal road traffic accidents recorded countrywide during the 2025 Christmas holiday, as Zambia witnessed a sharp rise in crashes compared to last year.
The Zambia Police Service says 224 road traffic accidents were recorded between December 24, 2025, at 18 hours and December 26, 2025, at 06:00 hours, raising concern over road safety during the festive season.
Police Public Relations Godfrey Chilabi, the accidents included 23 fatal crashes that claimed 28 lives, 31 serious accidents in which 64 people sustained serious injuries, and 58 slight accidents that left 94 people with minor injuries.
A further 112 accidents involved damage only. In total, 186 casualties were recorded during the two-day period.
Mr Chilabi said Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of accidents at 80, followed by the Copperbelt with 46 cases. Central Province recorded 19 accidents, Eastern 17, Southern 16, North-Western 11, while Luapula and Muchinga each recorded 10. Northern Province had eight cases, and Western Province recorded seven accidents.
He attributed most of the accidents to human error, with excessive speed emerging as the leading cause, accounting for 80 cases. Other contributing factors included failure to keep to the nearside, cutting in, and improper overtaking.
“During the same period, police recorded 902 road traffic offences and collected K390, 440 in admission of guilt fines,” he said.
Mr Chilabi said the Service noted that the figures represent a significant increase compared to the 2024 Christmas holiday, during which 123 accidents were recorded over a four-day period.
He said police were concerned by the rise in accidents and will intensify traffic enforcement, speed control measures, and both motorised and foot patrols during the New Year holidays.
He urged motorists to observe traffic regulations as police continue day and night patrols to ensure a peaceful and crime-free festive season, while commending members of the public for celebrating Christmas in a calm and orderly manner.
