The family of one of the five survivors of a tragic accident that claimed 14 lives says they remain shocked over the tragedy, attributing her survival to God's mercy. 

A head-on collision happened around seven o'clock this morning on the B1 road about seven kilometres north of Mariental in the Hardap Region. 

Mariental resident and father of one of the five survivors, Dirk Louw, said while they are grateful that his daughter, a police officer, survived, their thoughts are with the families of those who perished. 

"It was a terrible shock, seeing how many lives were lost. When I think of my daughter being involved, she could easily have been among those who did not survive. But by God's mercy, she is still here and able to speak to us today. This tragedy is devastating, and as parents our thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. The relief we feel for our child's survival makes us imagine the deep pain of the families who were not as fortunate."

According to Louw, his daughter sustained a fractured arm and leg, and he described her condition as stable. 

Louw's daughter was one of the three survivors among six occupants of the police van. 

Of the five survivors, one was airlifted to Windhoek, while the others were also transported by ambulances to the city for further medical treatment. 

In the meantime, the Namibian Correctional Services has suspended public visitations to the Hardap Correctional Facility until further notice.

Details on the cause of the accident remain patchy.