Victory celebrations leave eight dead, 31 injured in Zambia after Afcon win over Ghana

Zambia beat Ghana 1-0 to book a place in the 2012 Afcon final. But this victory has led to the loss of lives in Zambia as soccer fans were seen to be wildly celebrating.

So far eight persons are reportedly dead while 31 have been seriously injured in road accidents in the course of their celebrations on Wednesday night February 8.

The accidents, which have been confirmed by Police officials, were recorded in Southern, Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces, the Times of Zambia reports February 10, 2012.

According to the report, Police spokesperson, Elizabeth Kanjela, said three people died in Mazabuka District in Southern Province when two vehicles ploughed into a jubilant crowd near a golf club around 20:30 hours.

Twenty-one others were rushed to a General Hospital where they were admitted, it added.

Lusaka recorded one death and in the Copperbelt province, the Times of Zambia report says a pedestrian aged between 40 and 45 years died on the spot following a hit-and-run accident along the Kitwe-Chingola road around 21:45 hours while two others died instantly after they were hit by different cars on the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway.

In Kapiri Mposhi, a 12-year-old boy, identified as Roderick Mwila died on the spot as a crowd of soccer fans took to the streets, the Times said.

Meanwhile reports in the Zambian media say some prostitutes offered themselves free of charge to men as part of their celebration after Zambia triumphed over Ghana.

By Ekow Quandzie