TYRE BURST CLAIMS LIFE OF KALTYRE WORKER

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Posted by admin on August 22, 2025 at 6:47 AM

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A tragic workplace accident has claimed the life of Joseph Kunda, a 36-year-old employee of Kaltyre, a contractor for Zambia Sugar PLC, after a split rim from a burst crane tyre struck him fatally during routine maintenance.

According to Southern Province Commissioner of Police Auxensio Daka, Mr Kunda reported for duty at 06:00 hours and was working alongside colleagues Lastone Ngandu and Bruce Lifumbo. Around 08:00 hours, while inflating a repaired crane tyre using an air compressor, the tyre burst under pressure. The force caused the split rim to detach and strike Kunda on the head and right arm.

Despite being rushed to Zambia Sugar Clinic, Kunda was pronounced dead on arrival. Police inspection revealed severe injuries, including a broken lower jaw, deep forehead laceration, and arm trauma.

A revisit to the scene confirmed that all 13 bolts and nuts fastening the split rim had failed due to the explosion.

Zambia Sugar PLC has since expressed deep regret over the incident, suspended operations at the Nakambala Transport Workshop, and initiated a safety stand-down to review procedures. Corporate Affairs Director Eugene Chungu reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving safety standards and extended condolences to the Kunda family.