2 die, 35 injured in Zambia's Africa Cup celebrations

LUSAKA - At least two people have died while 35 have been injured in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, following the national soccer team's lifting of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time, the Zambian News and Information Service (ZANIS) reported on Tuesday.

Wild celebrations erupted bimmediately defender Stoppila Sunzu struck the winning penalty after a pulsating goalless 120 minutes against favorites Ivory Coast, sending hundreds of soccer mad fans onto the streets of various towns, with many failing to heed caution from the country's president to celebrate responsibly.

University Teaching Hospital (UTH)- the country's highest referral hospital- has recorded two deaths and about 35 casualties resulting from the celebrations of Zambia's victory, according to ZANIS.

UTH Public Relations Manager Pauline Mbangweta said out of the 35 cases, 18 were assault cases while 17 were road traffic accidents.

So far, eight people have been admitted to the hospital while one is in a critical condition due to head injuries, she added.

She further said the two who died include an 18-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy.

State broadcaster- the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation has also reported that two people have died in Kitwe city on the Copperbelt province as they were celebrating the victory after being bashed by over-speeding vehicles.

On Sunday, the head of the Zambia Police advised people to ensure that they celebrate in a responsible manner to avoid casualties but it seems the advise fell on deaf ears.

The country's national soccer team's progress at this year's competition has come with tragedies as 13 people have so far died in celebrations.

According to the Zambia Police, 510 accidents have been recorded from the time the tournament started on January 21.