A 49-year-old Zambian truck driver,Henry Musariri, has been sentenced to three years in prison for driving under the influence of alcohol, leading to an accident at the George Kunda Toll Gate in Mkushi District.
The Local Magistrate Court also fined Musariri K140,000 for dangerous driving following the incident on November 30, 2024.
The Toll Collector who was in the booth during the accident sustained injuries but is now reported to be out of danger and has been discharged from the hospital.
The National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) reported significant revenue loss due to a two-week suspension of toll operations at the George Kunda Toll Gate.
NRFA’s Public Relations Manager, Alphonsius Hamachiila, confirmed that the damage to the canopy was substantial, affecting all five of its pillars.
The full re-installation of the canopy is expected to take two months, while four new booths have been installed to temporarily operate without a canopy.
Hamachiila also noted that the truck owner has been engaged regarding recovery costs related to the accident and emphasised the need for all road users to adhere to traffic rules and speed limits, especially in restricted areas like toll gates.
