The death toll from the Otavi accident that occurred this afternoon around 13:30 has increased from 8 to 9, including a Brazilian citizen.

According to Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, the Otjozondjupa regional police spokesperson and the Head of the Community Policing Sub-division, the driver of a white Fortuner, a Brazilian national, was traveling with his wife (now deceased) from Otjiwarongo to Otavi, while a black seven-seater was traveling from Otavi towards Otjiwarongo.

“The wife of the Brazilian national sustained head injuries and a broken leg. She was transported to Otjiwarongo State Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries upon arrival. The husband complained of back pain and was transported to Otavi Clinic, where he was later referred to Otjiwarongo State Hospital,” reads the police report.

Mbeha stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the Fortuner, traveling from Otjiwarongo, overtook another vehicle going in the same direction when it collided head-on with the oncoming seven-seater, which had nine occupants, including the driver.

Eight occupants died in the seven-seater while one passenger survived.

The deceased in the seven-seater included six males and two females who died at the scene. One female passenger survived with serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Otjiwarongo State Hospital, where she is admitted in serious condition.

All the deceased were transported to the Otjiwarongo Police Mortuary. The deceased have not yet been identified as their next of kin have not been informed.

Police investigations are ongoing.