Otjiwarongo bus crash claims 3 lives

File image

File image

Published Sep 3, 2016

Share

Otjiwarongo – Three people died in the early hours of Saturday morning when a passenger bus and a mini delivery truck collided head-on outside Otjiwarongo in northern Namibia.

Both vehicles burst into flames. The accident occurred 5km south of Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa region.

The three dead are yet to be identified, as two of them in the Iveco passenger bus were burned beyond recognition. Twelve other people, including the drivers of both vehicles, sustained slight to serious injuries and were taken to the Otjiwarongo Hospital shortly after the accident.

A 37-year-old man was transferred to the Katutura Intermediate Hospital in a critical condition. The accident victims were aged between four and 53.

Namibian Police Force (NamPol) regional spokesman Warrant Officer Maureen Mbeha said the accident occurred at shortly after midnight. The mini delivery truck belonged to FP du Toit Transport. The truck was driving from the direction of Otjiwarongo towards Okahandja, while the Iveco bus was headed in the opposite direction.

Mbeha said the mini truck had two occupants – a 34-year-old driver and his 35-year-old male passenger who died on the spot. The bus had 13 occupants including its 41-year-old driver.

It is alleged one of the vehicles attempted to overtake on a solid line. A case of culpable homicide had been opened at the Otjiwarongo police station, she said.

ANA-NAMPA

Related Topics: