Rudolf Gaiseb

Three teachers from Otjiwarongo are feared to be among the five people who died in a car accident near Okahandja last Thursday.

Police have not yet confirmed the identities of the deceased. However, a colleague and some friends of the missing teachers said they were returning from a work-related trip to Windhoek at the time of the crash.

It is believed they were among five occupants who had reportedly taken a lift in a VW Polo, which collided head-on with a Ford Ranger.

Otjozondjupa regional police spokesperson, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, told New Era that the names of the deceased will only be released once identification has been completed and next of kin have been informed.

She said the victims in the Polo were burnt beyond recognition.

According to preliminary police reports, the accident occurred at around 18h00, approximately 25 kilometres from Okahandja towards Otjiwarongo on the B1 road.

 The driver of a grey VW Polo allegedly swerved into the oncoming lane while attempting to avoid guinea fowls on the road, resulting in a head-on collision with a Ford Ranger.

Both vehicles caught fire upon impact.

The driver of the Ford Ranger, aged 52, was rescued from the burning vehicle by other motorists. 

He sustained serious injuries and was admitted to Okahandja Medical
Centre. All five occupants of the Polo died at the scene and were burnt beyond recognition. The driver of the Polo, whose age is unknown, is believed to have been a resident of Otjiwarongo.

Police investigations into the crash are ongoing.

– rrgaiseb@nepc.com.na