Renthia Kaimbi
A truck that was not permitted to use the Sam Nujoma Drive intersection disobeyed restrictions and triggered a chain of collisions in Windhoek yesterday.
The police confirmed the truck exceeded the gross vehicle mass allowed at the junction.
The incident began around 12h20 when the westbound truck lost its brakes at the junction of Sam Nujoma Drive and Robert Mugabe Avenue.
Windhoek City police spokesperson superintendent Marcelline Murapo said the accident highlights the risks of ignoring restriction signs.
“This applies to trucks exceeding the permitted gross vehicle mass, as was the case with the truck involved in this accident. Ignoring the restriction and overloading pose serious dangers, such as brake failure, loss of control and major road hazards,” she said.
Police said it sped through the intersection, colliding with a minibus and striking a traffic light pole at Independence Avenue.
The truck continued to Tal Street, where the load it was carrying hit a Volkswagen sedan travelling in the same direction.
Murapo said the driver of the Volkswagen, a 66-year-old man, tried to avoid the impact but was struck, according to the police.
The truck’s destabilised load spilt onto his vehicle, leaving him seriously injured.
Emergency services rushed him to hospital for urgent treatment.
Two other vehicles, including a Toyota, swerved in an attempt to avoid the scene but collided with a stationary minibus. Police said these vehicles sustained minor damage.
The police noted that the truck driver, a licensed operator, was tested at the scene and found sober.
He was not injured and is assisting police with their investigation. Authorities are examining the cause of the brake failure and the sequence of events.
Murapo urged drivers to comply with road restrictions.
“Non-compliance will result in enforcement action,” Murapo warned.
