Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The deaths of two paramedics in a road accident 20 kilometres from Otavi on the B1 road on Tuesday morning have renewed calls for stricter road safety measures, particularly for emergency responders.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services executive director, Ben Nangombe, described the loss as tragic, emphasising that reckless driving continues to put lives at risk.
“Emergency care practitioners are trained in defensive driving skills and how to handle difficult road conditions to minimise risks. We provide them with the necessary tools, but the behaviour of road users remains a major contributing factor to accidents,” he said.
He said reckless driving is widespread, and now those responsible for attending to trauma victims are becoming victims themselves.
“This must change, and it starts with Namibian drivers being more responsible,” Nangombe added.
Last year, Methusalah Simataa Khama, a paramedic with the City of Windhoek, died in an ambulance accident that crashed into a truck.
He and a colleague were returning from a call at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital to Maxuilili Fire Station when the incident took place.
Local paramedic Simon Alweendo stressed the need for improved safety measures and trauma support for emergency responders.
“We need to create awareness and establish support groups to help us deal with trauma. The training we receive does not fully prepare us for the risks of driving at high speeds when responding to emergencies. We need to get to accident scenes safely but also as fast as possible because people’s lives depend on us,” he said.
The accident occurred at around 00:40.
Otjozondjupa Regional Commander Commissioner Philip Hidengwa confirmed that an ambulance registered as N 34674 SH, crashed into a stationary truck, registered as BAJ 1232, which had broken down in the middle of the road.
“It is alleged that the truck driver failed to put on hazard lights or any warning signs,” Hidengwa said.
Hidengwa also warned drivers to be extra cautious, especially during poor weather conditions.
“Road users need to obey the road regulations. In this case, the truck was parked in the middle of the road, and they probably failed to put on a hazard sign. Especially when it’s raining in certain areas, drivers need to be extra careful,” he said.
A Namibian male paramedic died on the scene, while another male succumbed to injuries later.
Their names have not been made public.
Three other passengers in the ambulance sustained serious injuries and were transferred to Windhoek.
They include a 26-year-old male with head injuries, a 28-year-old female with multiple fractures and head injuries, and a 39-year-old female with head injuries.
The ambulance driver, a 29-year-old male, was treated and discharged, while another male passenger, also 29, is in stable condition.
