Staff Reporter
THE long weekend started on a horrific note with 15 people including a baby killed in a head-on collision between a Quantum minibus and a Golf sedan between 03:00 and 04:00 today which caused both vehicles to burst into flames.
The accident happened 14 kilometres from Okahandja on the road to Otjiwarongo.
A few hours before the terrible crash, three more people were killed when a Fiat and an Audi collided on Thursday at around 20:50.
The accident happened 5 km from Okahandja on the road to Windhoek.
Three occupants of the Fiat including a three-year-old boy succumbed to their injuries.
They were identified as 51-year-old Engenesia Tjipitua, Petorua Tjipitua (25) and Uvanga Tjipitua (3). The driver, Muamina Tjipitua (20) sustained head injuries.
The driver of the Audi, Fillemon Taleni Nankombe (37), sustained minor injuries.
The next of kin have been informed.
According to Otjozondjupa police spokesperson Inspector Maureen Mbeha, 14 people in the Quantum minibus and the driver of the Golf died after the vehicles caught fire.
Three passengers of the minibus survived and were rushed to hospital.
The names of the deceased have not been released as next of kin have not been informed. Some victims were burned beyond recognition.
The bodies were taken to the Windhoek Mortuary.
“We once again urge people to be extremely cautious and to drive responsibly as many innocent lives are at risk,” Mbeha said.
TRAGEDY: Car accidents claimed 18 lives. File photo for illustrative purposes.
