Staff Reporter
SEVERAL serious accidents were reported nationwide over the weekend. Four people were killed in a devastating head-on collision near Karibib on Saturday night. In Omusati, a pedestrian was killed in an alleged hit-and-run involving an unlicensed driver. Another man died in a head-on collision near Okongo, while a driver was killed near Rehoboth after his vehicle overturned. In Keetmanshoop, seven passengers were injured when a driver allegedly fled the scene after crashing into a tree. In Karasburg, a pedestrian was fatally struck by a truck.
According to the police weekend crime report, the crash near Karibib that claimed four lives occurred at around 20:00, approximately 20km from Karibib towards Omaruru on the C33 road. It is alleged that a white Freightliner truck travelling from Karibib towards Omaruru made a sudden U-turn, resulting in a collision with a white Nissan Sentra carrying six occupants.
The driver of the Nissan, a 49-year-old man, and a 73-year-old female passenger died on the spot. Two other female passengers, aged 53 and 66, later succumbed to their injuries at Omaruru State Hospital. Two additional passengers were admitted with severe injuries and remain in critical condition. The truck driver, who was alone in the vehicle, escaped uninjured. The next of kin of the deceased had not yet been informed at the time of reporting. Police investigations continue.
In the Omusati Region, a 36-year-old man was arrested after allegedly driving without a licence and fatally knocking down a pedestrian at around 01:00 on Friday at Ouholondema village along the Outapi–Okalongo road in Onandjaba. The victim, Valombola Victor Natangwe (34), died on the spot while crossing the road. His next of kin have been informed. The suspect faces charges of culpable homicide, reckless and/or negligent driving, and driving without a licence.
In the Okongo area, a head-on collision between a white Toyota Hilux and a white Ford Ranger at about 03:00 on Saturday along the main road between Eenhana and Okongo claimed the life of Ifo Paulus (39), the sole occupant of the Hilux. He died at the scene. The driver of the Ford Ranger and his passengers sustained minor injuries. The Ranger driver was arrested on charges including culpable homicide and driving under the influence. Investigations continue.
Another fatal accident occurred near Rehoboth on Saturday at around 13:00 on the D1222 gravel road. Julius Herculus Diedricks (31) reportedly swerved to avoid a sheep in the road, lost control of his white Chevrolet utility pickup and overturned. He died on the spot, while his passengers sustained injuries. An inquest docket has been opened. The next of kin were informed.
In Keetmanshoop, seven passengers were injured on Saturday at around 15:00 in the Big Brother area of Tseiblaagte, Soweto location. It is alleged that the driver of a Chevrolet lost control on a sharp curve, collided with a tree and fled the scene. All injured passengers were transported to Keetmanshoop State Hospital. Police are investigating charges of reckless and/or negligent driving, failure to ascertain injuries or assist injured persons, and driving an unroadworthy vehicle.
Meanwhile, in Karasburg, Antonius Petrus Roos (37) died on the spot after he was struck by a white Scania truck while crossing the B3 road about 2km outside the town at around 05:30 on Sunday. His next of kin were informed. Police investigations are ongoing in all cases.
