Four of the deceased were Namdeb employees who where travelling in a bus from the northern regions to Oranjemund. The driver of the bus also died on the spot. There were 13 passengers on the bus, according to the police in the Otjozondjupa Region.
The driver of the truck and his co-driver also died on the spot, bringing the total number of lives lost to seven, the police said.
Namdeb issued a statement yesterday in which the company confirmed that the bus involved in the accident was transporting its employees. “The bus is owned and operated by an external service provider,” the statement read.
Namdeb’ chief executive officer Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi said it is “a very sad day for all of us at Namdeb. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives or suffered injuries. We will, of course, render the necessary support required.”
The statement further said the police are heading the investigation, and “will liaise with Namdeb to provide the necessary support to the families of the deceased. Namdeb is also providing support to several colleagues who are hospitalised in Windhoek and Okahandja.” The accident occurred some 25 kilometres outside Okahandja on the way to Otjiwarongo.
“The names of the deceased cannot be released as their relatives are yet to be informed,” said Otjozondjupa Regional Crime Investigations Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Moses Khairabeb.
The other passengers in the bus were rushed to the Okahandja State Hospital.
Khairabeb indicated the bus belonged to Springbok Atlas, while the truck belonged to Namibia Dairies. “Our preliminary findings show that the bus was coming from the direction of Otjiwarongo to Okahandja, and the truck was headed in the direction of Otjiwarongo,” he said. The actual cause of the accident has not been established yet. Police are investigating.
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