Two American nationals have died in a head-on collision along the Great North Road in Zimba district, Zambia. According to the Lusaka Times, Richard Gill and James Mynaugh, both aged 67, died at the scene of the accident, which occurred at approximately 17:40 on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The crash took place at Sky Layby, located roughly 10 kilometres south of Zimba town, involving a Toyota Fortuner and a Hino Ranger.
Southern Province Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo stated that preliminary police investigations suggest the collision was triggered by an improper overtaking maneuver. The driver of the Hino Ranger, a 42-year-old man named Humphrey Kanyamuna, was travelling from south to north when he attempted to overtake while moving uphill. This maneuver resulted in a collision with the oncoming Toyota Fortuner, which was being driven north to south by 47-year-old Michael Namafente. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage to their front sections, as noted in the police statement reported by the Lusaka Times.
The two American men were passengers in the Toyota Fortuner and sustained fatal injuries at the scene. Their bodies were subsequently moved to the mortuary at Zimba Mission Hospital, where they are awaiting post-mortem examinations. In addition to the two fatalities, eight other individuals sustained injuries and were referred to Livingstone University Teaching Hospital for medical treatment. Among the injured was the Toyota Fortuner driver, Michael Namafente, who reported leg and general body pain, as well as another passenger, Laston Muzandu.
The Hino Ranger carried four male passengers in addition to its driver. These included Elijah Simusamba, who suffered a fractured left thigh, and three other men from the Livingstone area who reported general body pains or leg injuries. All eight injured individuals were transported to the same hospital in Livingstone for further attention. The Lusaka Times noted that the accident highlights the risks associated with overtaking on busy highways where visibility may be limited.
Commander Namalongo urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly on uphill sections. He advised drivers to ensure the road ahead is clear before attempting to overtake, emphasizing the need for responsible decision-making to avoid fatal collisions. The preliminary findings suggest that the timing and positioning of the Hino Ranger during the overtaking attempt were critical factors in the severity of the crash.