Staff Reporter
A MALE pedestrian was fatally struck by one of the trains of the national rail liner, TransNamib, near Okahandja.
This has brought the number of train incidents to three in the month of March 2026, after two separate incidents were also recorded wherein a train accident caused the amputation of a child on 24 March in the Oshivelo-Omuthiya area, whilst another incident was also reported in Swakopmund during the same time period.
According to Alina Garises, the latest incident happened on 31 March 2026 at 12:22, after the pedestrian reportedly attempted to cross the railway line in a non-residential area.
Preliminary findings indicate that the train was travelling at 52 km/h, within the prescribed speed limit, at the time of the incident. Authorities have been notified, and investigations are ongoing.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected during this difficult time,” said Desmond van Jaarsveld, TransNamib Chief Executive Officer. He noted that the company maintains stringent safety standards, including controlled train speeds, continuous driver vigilance, and clearly designated rail crossings. He further confirmed that, among other efforts, TransNamib is intensifying community outreach programmes to promote train and railway safety, educating stakeholders on the importance of maintaining a safe distance from railway lines.
TransNamib is Namibia’s national rail operator, responsible for managing and operating the country’s rail network. The organisation provides freight and passenger rail services, playing a vital role in supporting Namibia’s transport infrastructure, economic development, and regional connectivity.
