BY KALALUKA MUSHAUKWA AND SLYVESTER KAUMBA
The incident happened this morning around 06 hours as scores of residents jostled to enter the premises at OYDC to receive free bags of mealie meal from the Church of Christ.
Eye witnesses disclosed to a Komboni radio news crew that rushed to the scene that people from various parts of Lusaka started gathering as early as 03 hours to receive the food hampers that were organised by the church.
Meanwhile, residents have attributed the accident that occurred this morning to the high poverty levels being experienced in the country.
The residents have since appealed to the government to reduce the prices of the mealie meal and other essential commodities to avoid such calamities.
Last week, the Church of Christ through its outreach programme, announced that it will be donating food parcels which include Maize meals to 35 000 people at OYDC.
The Church announced that the donations emulated the spirit of Jesus Christ, who fed multitudes with two bread and fish.
The church had targeted mainly the elderly, people with special needs, unemployed and the general public.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Police has instituted an inquiry into the matter.
Police spokesperson Esther Katongo who confirmed the development to Komboni radio news says among the dead, six are female, one male adult and one male juvenile.
Mrs Katongo says five people died on the spot while three died from the hospitals where they were rushed for medical attention.
The police spokesperson says the injured are receiving treatment at Chingwere first level hospital and Chipata clinic while bodies of the deceased have been taken to UTH Mortuary.
Mrs Katongo says the victims are among the 35 000 which the group called Lesedi seven, had invited for prayers at OYDC.
The group had also organized food hampers to distribute to people.