The bodies of 27 people, believed to be migrants from Ethiopia, have been “dumped” by the roadside in Ngwerere area north of Zambia’s capital Lusaka.
They likely suffocated to death while in transit, Police Spokesperson Danny Mwale told the BBC.
One survivor found “gasping for air” has been rushed to a local hospital, he said.
Zambia is a transit point for migrants, mostly from the Horn of Africa, who want to reach South Africa.
Mr Mwale said residents of Ngwerere found the bodies on Sunday at 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT).
