Firefighters work near the wrecks of two vehicles involved in a collision near Otavi, northern Namibia, on March 17, 2019. Namibian President Hage Geingob on Monday extended his condolences after 13 passengers were burned to death during a collision between two mini-buses along the country's B1 highway. According to a statement issued by Namibia Police Force (Nampol) on Monday, the accident happened on March 17 approximately 3 km from Otavi to Tsumeb on the B1 Road. (Xinhua/NAMPA)
WINDHOEK, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Namibian President Hage Geingob on Monday extended his condolences after 13 passengers were burned to death during a collision between two mini-buses along the country's B1 highway.
"The president of the Republic of Namibia, Hage G. Geingob has learned with profound sadness of yesterday's fatal accident, involving two mini-buses on the B1 road between Otavi and Tsumeb, leading to the tragic death of 13 passengers," read a statement issued by the Namibian presidency.
"For the law to take its course and in honor of victims of yet another needless accidents, a proper investigation should be speedily carried out," he said.
Geingob also appealed to law-enforcement agencies to patrol roads and enforce speed limits, asking drivers to adhere to safe driving in order to prevent loss of lives.
"Drivers carrying passengers must drive safely, respect rules, and adhere to speed limits in order to avoid fatalities. Innocent passengers should not lose their lives due to negligent drivers," the president said.
According to a statement issued by Namibia Police Force (Nampol) on Monday, the accident happened at about 3 p.m. local time approximately 3 km from Otavi to Tsumeb on the B1 Road.
"It is alleged that an Iveco bus was traveling from north while another lveco bus was traveling from south when they collided head on and both vehicles caught fire and burned completely out. As a result, 13 people perished (8 female and 5 male), burned beyond recognition. 18 passengers (13 adults and 5 children) and a driver were transported to various hospitals at Otavi, Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb," the statement read.
According to Nampol, all remains will be transported to the capital Windhoek for DNA processing.
