By BalanceHub
Lusaka, Zambia – A devastating road traffic accident in Bauleni township claimed the life of a three-year-old child, Daliso Zulu, on the morning of 15 February 2026. The incident occurred around 09:00 hours, when the young child was struck by a Toyota Hiace minibus while attempting to cross a busy street in the residential area.
According to Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi, first responders arrived at the scene shortly after the accident was reported. Daliso sustained severe injuries from the collision and was rushed to Bauleni Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident occurred as the child was crossing the road, highlighting the vulnerability of pedestrians — especially children — in high-traffic urban neighbourhoods.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Mortuary, where a postmortem examination will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. The postmortem is expected to clarify the exact cause of death and provide critical information for the case file.
Road Safety in Zambia: A Broader Concern
This tragic death comes at a time when road traffic incidents continue to rank among the leading causes of injury and loss of life in Zambia. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that sub-Saharan Africa has some of the highest road traffic fatality rates globally, with pedestrians — particularly children — representing a significant proportion of victims.
In Lusaka and other urban areas, rapid motorisation has not always been matched with adequate pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks, zebra crossings, and traffic calming measures. Combined with factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and insufficient road safety education, the risks to vulnerable road users remain high.
Community Response and Calls for Action
Residents of Bauleni expressed shock and sadness at the loss of young Daliso. Many community members took to social media to call for improved road safety measures, especially in residential areas where children play and walk daily.
One local resident said, “This is a heartbreaking loss. As parents, we drop our children at school and go to work trusting the roads are safe. We need more traffic signs, speed bumps, and safer crossings.”
Road safety advocates have reiterated the importance of collective action, urging authorities to strengthen enforcement of traffic laws, implement pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and launch targeted awareness campaigns in high-risk neighbourhoods.
Looking Ahead: Prevention and Safety Measures
Police investigations into this incident are ongoing, and authorities have reiterated their commitment to transparent reporting and accountability. However, preventing future tragedies will require a multi-sectoral approach:
Improved Pedestrian Infrastructure: Installation of zebra crossings, speed bumps, and sidewalks in residential zones.
Traffic Law Enforcement: Regular monitoring of speeding and reckless driving, especially near schools and busy residential streets.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Community education on road safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Child Safety Programs: Education for parents and caregivers on road risk prevention strategies.
The untimely death of Daliso Zulu serves as a sobering reminder that road safety remains a critical public health issue in Zambia. Ensuring safer streets is not only a government responsibility but a shared community commitment.
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