ONE person died and 10 were injured when their vehicle crashed into a train at the level crossing at Wilhelmstal, 49km from Karibib, on Friday.
Erongo regional police commander for community affairs inspector Ileni Shapumba says a Mazda bakkie carrying 13 churchgoers was travelling from Windhoek to the Omatjete reserve in the Erongo region.
“At Wilhelmstal, they turned off the main road onto the Omaruru-Wilhelmstal gravel road to cross over the railway. It is suspected that the driver did not notice the oncoming train travelling from the Okahandja direction towards Karibib.
“The train hit his vehicle on the right rear side in the process,” Shapumba says.
The deceased has been identified as Magreta Kaunivi (33).
The driver and one other passenger were unharmed, while the 10 other passengers sustained moderate to severe injuries and were transported to Okahandja State Hospital for treatment.
The train’s conductor, who was travelling from Windhoek to Kranzberg Station, was not injured.
The incident has been classified as a culpable homicide, reckless and/or negligent driving, and is currently under investigation by the Karibib police.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
