In a fortunate turn of events, twelve individuals, including a toddler, narrowly escaped serious harm this afternoon after the vehicle they were traveling in overturned on a gravel road in the Kavango West region.
The incident occurred near Gcaru village, along a rural route between Rundu and Ncuse village. The group was traveling in a Toyota Land Cruiser pick-up when the driver, a 64-year-old man, reportedly lost control of the vehicle due to slippery road conditions. The gravel surface, affected by recent rainfall, is believed to have made it difficult to maintain traction, leading to the vehicle veering off and overturning.
According to Chief Inspector Raimbert Muronga of the Namibian Police, the driver struggled to manage the vehicle’s movement as it approached a bend near Gcaru village. Fortunately, despite the dramatic nature of the accident, no major injuries were reported at the scene.
“The vehicle sustained only minor damage, including broken windows. All occupants were able to exit the vehicle safely,” Muronga confirmed. However, some passengers complained of pain and discomfort following the incident.
Responders from the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund acted swiftly, transporting all twelve individuals to the Rundu Intermediate Hospital for medical assessment and observation. Medical personnel are currently monitoring the passengers to ensure there are no underlying injuries that may have gone unnoticed initially.
Authorities are urging motorists traveling on gravel and rural roads, especially during or after rainfall, to drive cautiously and reduce speed. Slippery surfaces continue to pose a serious risk in remote regions where emergency response services may face delays due to road conditions.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the potential dangers of traveling in rural areas during the rainy season.
