Long weekend claims over 20 lives
Namibian Marshall Ranger Sean Naude says a string of crashes have pushed the death toll to 23 over the long weekend, as reckless driving, speeding and alcohol-related incidents continue to claim lives across multiple regions, Namibian Marshall Ranger Sean Naude has confirmed.
Speaking to Network Media Hub (NMH), Naude said it started with the Arandis accident, where eight people died. Then it went to the Otjiwarongo accident, where 11 people died. After that, there was the Usakos-Karibib incident, where one person died. Then Sunday’s accident, where one person died. We also had another incident in the north where a driver hit a donkey.
“Altogether, we are looking at about 23 fatalities so far. I am busy with my team at the moment because all our reports are already in. We work with MVA to compile the statistics, but I think we are sitting at 23,” he said.
“People must realise that we are not alone on the roads. We must be considerate of other drivers. Do not take unnecessary chances. Adhere to road regulations and road markings. Just be considerate of everyone else on the road. You are not alone. My motto for this year is: you are not on the road alone. People need to understand that they are responsible,'
Naude added that they also had some drunken driving accidents, with people driving under the influence, stopping at resting places, having drinks, and then getting behind the wheel again to continue their journeys.
"The fact of the matter is that people must be patient on the roads. They want to arrive alive. The biggest thing is consideration, consideration of your passengers and consideration of all other road users,” Naude said.
One of the persons who died, while four others were critically injured in a three-vehicle crash near Usakos on Friday morning, adding to a surge in road fatalities in the Erongo region.
The collision occurred near the railway bridge on the road between Usakos and Karibib. Emergency services confirmed one fatality at the scene, while four injured occupants were transported in critical condition.
The fatally brought Erongo Region’s toll to nine fatalities in two days, following Wednesday night’s crash between Swakopmund and Arandis, in which eight people died.
Nationally, road deaths have also spiked, with a separate crash between Otjiwarongo and Okahandja on Thursday last week claiming 10 lives.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the Roads Authority (RA) expressed its profound sadness and deep concern over the alarming number of road traffic crashes recorded since the commencement of the current long weekend covering Workers’ Day (1 May) and Cassinga Day (4 May). The authority said the crashes have claimed multiple lives and left families shattered and communities in mourning.
“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 statement read.
The authority appealed to motorists to drive responsibly, obey traffic rules, avoid overtaking at blind spots, refrain from speeding, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The RA reaffirmed its commitment to road safety, saying it continues to work with law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and other stakeholders to reduce fatalities.
Similarly, the Ministry of Health and Social Services confirmed the deaths of two nurses, a driver, and patients following a crash involving a 14-seater patient transport bus belonging to Khorixas District Hospital on Friday, 1 May 2026. The vehicle was transporting patients to Windhoek for follow-up medical appointments.
The Ministry appealed to the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the accident on social media and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the Kunene region. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
