Headline:
Five Killed in Fiery Namibia Crash After Driver Swerves to Avoid Guinea Fowls
Article:
OKAHANDJA, Namibia — A tragic collision between a sedan and a bakkie (pickup truck) on Thursday evening claimed five lives after a driver swerved to avoid guinea fowls on the road, police confirmed.
The accident occurred around 6:00 PM on the Okahandja-Otjiwarongo highway. According to Otjozondjupa regional police spokesperson Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, the driver of a grey sedan veered into the opposite lane while attempting to dodge the birds, crashing head-on into an oncoming double-cab bakkie.
Both vehicles burst into flames upon impact. Witnesses rushed to pull the bakkie’s 53-year-old driver from the wreckage, but the sedan’s occupants—burned beyond recognition—could not be saved.
“The bakkie driver sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Okahandja,” Mbeha said. “Sadly, all five in the sedan perished.”
Authorities have yet to identify the victims, as next of kin notifications are pending. Police urge anyone with missing relatives traveling from Windhoek to Otjiwarongo to contact the Okahandja police station immediately.
The crash highlights the dangers of wildlife crossings on Namibia’s roads, where animals—including guinea fowls—often stray onto highways. Investigations into the exact cause are ongoing.
— Reported by Nexio News
