Brazil national among Otavi accident victims

Source: New Era Live

OTJIWARONGO - The number of deaths in the accident that occurred near Otavi on Tuesday has risen to nine after a woman died upon arrival at the Otjiwarongo State Hospital.

The Namibian Police's head of community affairs in the Otjozondjupa region, Maureen Mbeha, in an interview with Nampa yesterday said the accident involved a seven-seater vehicle and a Toyota Fortuner with two occupants.

"Eight people died in the seven-seater vehicle, while a female Brazilian national in the Fortuner, who sustained head injuries and a broken leg, died on arrival at the Otjiwarongo State Hospital, bringing the total number of deceased persons to nine so far," said Mbeha.

The accident occurred approximately 20 kilometres south of Otavi around 13h30 on Tuesday.

The Fortuner was travelling from the direction of Otjiwarongo towards Otavi, and while allegedly overtaking another vehicle, collided head-on with the seven-seater vehicle which was coming from the direction of Otavi with nine occupants.

The male driver of the Fortuner, also a Brazilian national, sustained back injuries, and was treated at the Otjiwarongo State Hospital.

Eight people travelling in the seven-seater vehicle - six males and two females - died on the scene. A woman who was also travelling in the seven-seater survived the accident, and was admitted to the Otjiwarongo State Hospital in critical condition.

The deceased persons are yet to be identified, and their bodies are being kept at the Otjiwarongo police mortuary.