The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund says at least 237 people have died in road accidents so far this year.
The deaths occurred in 1 720 road crashes that also resulted in 3 153 injuries.
This was announced in a media statement by MVA Fund spokesperson Jane Ikela on Monday.
She said the number of deaths increased by 9% this year, where 217 deaths were recorded from 1 January to 4 August last year.
Last year, the fund recorded 1 623 crashes, which increased by 6%, while 2 887 injuries increased by 9,2%. In addition, 217 fatalities increased by 9% this year.
The statement follows a tragic head-on collision involving an Intercape bus and an Iveco minibus.
According to Ikela the horrific crash took place about 57 kilometres north of Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa region at approximately 01h30 on Tuesday morning.
Ikela said the crash sadly adds to the statistics of the carnage on our roads.
“The horrific crash claimed two lives and injured multiple people. Of the injured, eight people sustained serious injuries, with two that required airlifting to the Ongwediva Medipark Hospital,” Ikela said.
The MVA Fund extended condolences to all those affected by the collision.
“The MVA Fund wishes all injured persons a speedy recovery and reminds families of the deceased and the injured to contact MVA Fund service centres at Otjiwarongo, Otavi, Windhoek or Ongwediva for more information on how to submit a claim,” said Ikela.
The fund further called for enhanced vigilance and responsible road user behaviour from all drivers, with particular concern and care at night.
The fund further noted that members of the public could report crashes to its toll-free accident response number, 9682.
According to Otjozondjupa senior inspector in the community policing division Maureen Mbeha, the Intercape bus was driving from Oshakati to Windhoek when the accident occurred.
According to the onboard monitor of the Intercape bus, the Iveco bus overtook another vehicle, causing a head-on collision with the Intercape bus.
“Two female passengers died during the accident, one from the Intercape died on the scene, while one passenger from the Iveco who was seriously injured, died while on the way to the hospital.
“The Intercape driver sustained injuries on both legs. He will be transferred to Ondangwa Medi-clinic,” Mbeha said.
Namibian Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi stressed that road safety can never be overemphasised.
“The figures shared by MVA are not mere statistics, they represent real individuals who died due to road accidents, impacted either by consequences of negligent and inconsiderate driving, speed, unroadworthy vehicles and many other factors,” she said.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
