Kunene unites in grief …Worker’s Day crash victims buried

Dalene Kooper Mulisa Simiyasa KEETMANSHOOP – Grief-stricken families, friends and community members gathered over the weekend to pay respect to victims of the tragic Workers’ Day accident that claimed 11 lives and left communities in the Kunene region in mourning at Kamanjab. Victoria Kaunotje and her children, Karaerua Zaongara and Tunaune Zaongara, were buried at Kamanjab over the weekend. Some of the victims were buried on Saturday.

Religious leaders of the region were also called to attend the prayer session at the scene, which was situated about 30 kilometres south of Otjiwarongo on the Otjiwarongo-Okahandja B1 road. It was at this scene where the government bus in which the 11 were travelling had hit a kudu, veered to the right lane and collided head-on with the oncoming truck. Due to the impact, the bus burst into flames.

That morning, four occupants were ejected, while eight burnt beyond recognition in the bus. The identification process in this type of incident takes time, as it involves police forensic investigations in the capital. Laboratory tests are being performed to confirm the identities.

The accident, which occurred on 1 May along the B1 road near Otjiwarongo, sent shockwaves through the country after a passenger bus carrying passengers was involved in a fatal collision. The victims included hospital staff, young people and parents, whose deaths have left families devastated. Speaking to New Era , Andrew Kaunotje, a brother and uncle of three victims from the crash, described the incidents as a great loss.