A head-on collision in Namibia has resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, including 11 members of the prison service, a police officer, and two civilians. The incident occurred on Saturday, approximately 270 kilometers (167 miles) south of the capital, Windhoek, near the town of Mariental.
Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, expressed condolences on social media, acknowledging the tragic loss of life among the security personnel involved. Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu also extended her sympathies and recognized the efforts of those who responded to the accident, including medical teams at Mariental State Hospital. She requested that people avoid sharing photos from the scene to respect the deceased and their families.
The collision involved two vehicles; a police van carrying six people—five officers and one civilian—and a vehicle from the Namibian Correctional Service with 13 occupants. Three additional prison officers were reported to be in critical condition following the accident. President Nandi-Ndaitwah conveyed wishes for their recovery.
The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund of Namibia has encouraged affected families to reach out for support. This government-backed insurance scheme, funded by a fuel levy, aims to assist victims of road injuries with healthcare, rehabilitation, and social support. Its CEO, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, noted that the fund would provide help with burial expenses and medical care.
Road traffic accidents represent a significant public health concern in Namibia, a country with a population of around three million. In 2021, Namibia recorded 22 road traffic fatalities per 100,000 people, a stark contrast to the UK’s rate of 2.3 fatalities per 100,000 individuals for the same year.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3v3g9z139wo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss