23 killed on Namibian roads during long weekend

At least 23 people lost their lives in road accidents across Namibia over the long weekend, marking one of the deadliest periods on the country’s roads in recent times.

Authorities say reckless driving, speeding and alcohol abuse are suspected to have played a major role in the crashes.

Sean Naude of the Namibian Marshall Rangers said the fatalities were recorded across multiple incidents, beginning with a crash near Arandis that claimed eight lives.

This was followed by a separate accident near Otjiwarongo in which 11 people died.

Additional incidents included a fatal crash between Usakos and Karibib, as well as another on Sunday. A further accident in the north involved a driver colliding with a donkey.

“Altogether, we are looking at about 23 fatalities so far,” Naude said.

“We are compiling reports with the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, but at this stage we are sitting at 23.”

Naude warned that dangerous driving behaviour remains a key concern.

“People must realise that we are not alone on the roads. Do not take unnecessary chances. Adhere to road regulations and be considerate of other road users,” he said.

He added that several crashes involved drunk driving, with motorists consuming alcohol at rest stops before continuing their journeys.

“The biggest issue is consideration — for your passengers and for other road users. People must be patient. They want to arrive alive,” he said.

Erongo hit hard

In one of the incidents, one person died and four others were critically injured in a three-vehicle collision near Usakos on Friday morning.

The crash occurred near a railway bridge along the Usakos–Karibib road.

The fatality pushed the Erongo Region’s death toll to nine in just two days, following Wednesday night’s crash between Swakopmund and Arandis that claimed eight lives.

Nationally, fatalities were further compounded by a separate crash between Otjiwarongo and Okahandja, where 10 people died.

Authorities alarmed

The Roads Authority Namibia expressed deep concern over the spike in road crashes during the long weekend, which included Workers’ Day and Cassinga Day.

“The RA feels the weight of every fatality and injury with great sorrow. This long weekend must not be further marred by preventable crashes,” the authority said in a statement.

Motorists were urged to obey traffic laws, avoid speeding and dangerous overtaking, and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Health ministry confirms fatalities

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Social Services Namibia confirmed the deaths of two nurses, a driver and patients following a crash involving a 14-seater patient transport vehicle from Khorixas District Hospital on Friday.

The vehicle had been transporting patients to Windhoek for follow-up medical care.

The ministry urged the public not to circulate unverified information on social media and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the Kunene Region.