Truck crashes kill 48 people in 2026

The MVA Fund recorded 112 truck-involved crashes nationwide in the period between January 2026 and September 2026, resulting in 211 injuries and 48 deaths.

The Erongo harbour region recorded the highest number of crashes (30) and deaths (15). Khomas recorded the second-highest number of crashes (21) but had the most injuries (59).

Otjozondjupa recorded 14 crashes, 36 injuries, and 14 deaths, indicating high crash severity. Together, Erongo and Otjozondjupa accounted for 29 of the 48 deaths, which is around 60%.

Several regions recorded relatively few crashes, while Kavango West, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto recorded no deaths, according to the report.

Collisions were the most common crash type, accounting for 57 crashes, 157 injuries and 37 deaths.

Pedestrian-related crashes accounted for 24 incidents, 17 injuries and 10 deaths, highlighting the significant risk of deaths for pedestrians in crashes involving heavy vehicles. By contrast, rollovers accounted for 11 crashes and 14 injuries, with no deaths recorded.

Moreover, collisions accounted for approximately 77% of injuries and deaths.

The data indicate collision severity, pedestrian vulnerability and the concentration of truck-related deaths in Erongo and Otjozondjupa as key road-safety concerns.

“By 16 September 2026, 48 people had been killed and 211 injured in 112 truck-involved crashes, reinforcing the need for continued focus on truck driver safety, responsible heavy-vehicle operations, pedestrian awareness and collision prevention,” said Mr John Haufiku, MVA Fund’s chief corporate affairs manager.

In the photo: A crashed truck.