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LUSAKA. — At least 26 people, most of them children, died when a crowded boat capsized while on the way to a national celebration, police said Saturday. Among the drowned in Friday’s accident were school children from Henga Community School of Gwembe aged from six to 15 years, as well as a baby. The state broadcaster said 23 of those who died were children. One student survived.

They were travelling to another school across Lake Kariba, in the south of the country, where they were meant to participate in celebrations marking the country’s 50th anniversary of independence from Britain.

“The death of these people is disheartening, more so that they were travelling for a national cause. They are true heroes,” Dr. Joseph Katema, a government spokesman, said on Saturday, adding the deaths were difficult to bear amid the country’s nationwide golden jubilee celebrations.

The accident was caused by overloading, according to authorities. The boat carried 20 people more than its capacity allowed. Zambia’s vice president, Guy Scott, visited the area with a police pathologist on Saturday and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. He said the government would shoulder the funeral expenses.
Meanwhile, the Zambian government has declared October 29 a day of national mourning in honour of the 26 lives that perished on Friday.

At the time of going to press, a combined team of divers from Zambia police and Zambia army had recovered 17 out of 26 bodies. Acting President Edgar Lungu told the media in a statement that on Wednesday, all flags will fly at half-mast. Mr. Lungu said he had directed Secretary to the Cabinet to organise a national church service to be held on the day of national mourning, at the cathedral of the Holy Cross in honour of the departed souls. — Agencies.