Two people have died while two others have sustained serious injuries following an explosion involving construction explosives at Kawambwa Sugar Company in Kawambwa District. The incident occurred on Friday, November 6, 2026, around 18:00 hours during excavation works for an…

Two people have died while two others have sustained serious injuries following an explosion involving construction explosives at Kawambwa Sugar Company in Kawambwa District.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 6, 2026, around 18:00 hours during excavation works for an irrigation dam being constructed by D&W Drilling and Blasting Company.

Luapula Province Police Commanding Officer Lucky Munkondya confirmed the incident in a statement.

Ms Munkondya said after two explosions, cables connected to the third explosive were damaged, prompting the supervisor to leave the pit to collect replacement cables.

She said while the supervisor was returning, lightning reportedly struck, triggering another explosion that killed Mwanashendi Lewanika, 36, and Chris Mukelebai, 49, on the spot.

Ms Munkondya said two other workers, Collins Kizimoto, 41, and Kabwe Kasenge, 32, sustained serious injuries and are currently admitted to Kawambwa District Hospital in critical condition.

She added that the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at Kawambwa District Hospital Mortuary, awaiting postmortem examinations.