Travel agents die in Namibia accident
A report in South Africa’s The Daily News says that families of two Durban women and more than 300 of their work colleagues are in mourning after a tragic accident in Namibia on Monday.
Aileen Naiker, 26, and Shivona Phunwasi, 23, who worked at the Thompson’s Travel Group in Westville, were killed when the hired vehicle they were in left the road between Swakopmund and Windhoek.
Three other staff members received severe to medium injuries. They were on a familiarisation and training trip to Namibia and were on their way to Windhoek when the accident occurred.
“Our hearts go out to Aileen and Shivona’s parents, family and friends at this time.” “Their deaths have plunged our entire staff of more than 300 into mourning.”
“We are heartbroken by this news and extend our sincerest condolences to all the families,” said Linda Pampallis, the managing director of Thompson’s Africa in Durban.
She said it was with a “heavy heart” that she was announcing the tragic deaths.
After hearing the news, she immediately contacted Andre Viljoen, the group chief executive, who then flew down to Durban from Johannesburg to help staff deal with the news.
Thompson’s arranged for a specially chartered flight to take Pampallis and the families of Naiker, Phunwasi and the unnamed injured staff members to Windhoek.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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