PRESIDENT Michael Sata has sent a message of condolences to families of the 53 road traffic accident victims who perished in Chibombo yesterday.

Mr Sata immediately directed the Zambia Police Service and Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RTSA) to step up efforts in curbing road traffic accidents.

He said he was deeply grieved over the loss of more innocent lives in yet another road traffic accident involving public transport.

"Allow me on behalf of my Cabinet, the First Lady and indeed on my own behalf to convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families," Mr Sata said.

He conveyed his message in a statement released by State House Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, George Chellah in Lusaka yesterday.

He called on the bereaved families to seek God's strength during the period of mourning.

"We pray that the Lord Almighty grants the bereaved families comfort and strength during this very painful period," he said.

He said it was regrettable that the country had continued to lose valuable citizens through fatal road accidents and wished those injured in the accident a quick recovery.