PARAMARIBO, Suriname — Eight people were injured in two separate serious traffic accidents on the Afobakaweg on Sunday, September 6, according to the Suriname Police Force.

The first crash occurred near marker 36, involving a Toyota Mark X and a Toyota RAV4. The collision forced both vehicles off the roadway, while the RAV4 overturned. Five people were injured and transported by ambulance to the Emergency Department of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP).

Both vehicles suffered significant damage and had to be removed by a towing service. Police said the exact cause of this collision has not yet been established.

A second serious accident occurred about two hours earlier near marker 47, involving two passenger vehicles. Police said a driver apparently swerved to avoid another vehicle that was overtaking and subsequently lost control.

Three people were injured in the second crash and were also taken to AZP for medical treatment.

Police are continuing investigations into both incidents and have urged motorists to follow traffic rules, maintain a safe distance and remain alert while driving.

The two crashes are likely to renew attention on road safety and dangerous driving on the Afobakaweg, one of Suriname’s important road corridors.