Seven die in road accident north of Otjiwarongo

WINDHOEK, 08 NOV – Seven people on Wednesday died and a host of others injured in a road accident that occurred some 15 kilometers north of Otjiwarongo on the B1 road.
Namibian Police Force (NamPol)’s Spokesperson in the Otjozondjupa Region, Warrant Officer Maureen Mbeha confirmed the crash to Nampa in an interview, saying it happened at around 13h30.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred after a minibus, carrying 17 people on board, collided head-on with an oncoming pickup truck after attempting to overtake another car.
The impact, according to Mbeha, was so severe that the seven deceased people – five adults and two children – were burned beyond recognition in the accident.
Eleven people survived the accident, including a two-year-old girl with various degrees of injuries and were taken to the Otjiwarongo State Hospital for treatment.
The injured people, Mbeha added, are aged between two and 51.
She said the minibus was traveling north, while the pickup – which had only one occupant – traveled in the opposite direction.
The police have called on members of the public who had people traveling in that direction to come forward and assist with forensic examinations for possible identification of the deceased persons.
Mbeha also used the opportunity to reiterate the need for drivers to abide by road traffic rules in order to avoid the loss of lives.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened and NamPol’s investigation into the matter continues.
(NAMPA)