Dashcam footage clarifies circumstances of fatal truck–taxi crash near Grootfontein

Dashcam footage has emerged providing clearer insight into how a fatal crash involving two trucks and a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi unfolded on the B8 road in Namibia over the weekend.

The crash occurred at about 12h55 on Friday, roughly 13 kilometres outside Grootfontein in the direction of Otavi, during rainy conditions.

The footage shows a yellow BHL truck travelling from Otavi towards Grootfontein attempting to overtake a blue-and-white Freightliner truck travelling in the same direction. As the BHL truck was completing the overtaking manoeuvre and returning to its lane, an oncoming Toyota Quantum minibus taxi approached from the opposite direction.

Video evidence indicates that the taxi driver was unable to brake in time and swerved to the right in an apparent attempt to avoid a collision with the overtaking truck. At the same time, the BHL truck was moving back into its correct lane, resulting in a head-on collision between the truck and the minibus.

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The overtaking manoeuvre was not safe, as the truck being overtaken was also drawn into the crash. The BHL truck was struck on its trailer by the Freightliner, causing it to overturn in the roadway. The Freightliner veered off the road, while the Toyota Quantum came to rest on the road with severe structural damage.

Police confirmed that the driver of the Toyota Quantum, 46-year-old Haikali Silas Simeon, died at the scene. His next of kin have been notified.

Seven passengers travelling in the minibus taxi sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious. Two juveniles suffered serious injuries, while others sustained minor injuries. One passenger escaped unharmed.

Both truck drivers sustained head and body injuries. Two passengers travelling in the Freightliner truck suffered minor injuries.

Watch: Dashcam Footage Shows How Taxi Veered Onto Truck’s Path in Van Reenen Crash

All injured persons were transported to Grootfontein State Hospital for medical treatment. The body of the deceased was taken to the Otjiwarongo Police Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

A case of culpable homicide and reckless or negligent driving has been registered. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are continuing.