Police identified the victims as 21-year-old Leon Roux, who was apparently the driver, Hansie Le Roux (17), Rinus Human (17), Marizaane Du Plessis (15) and Martin Du Plessis, (22).

All five died on the spot.

The driver of the bakkie, Johann Lombard, and three children were injured and were flown to Windhoek for medical treatment.

Hardap Deputy Commissioner Kobus Meyer described their condition as stable.

According to Meyer, the Police gave chase after spotting one of the teenagers in the Honda hanging out of the window.

Meyer said the Honda driver switched off the headlights and sped off in the direction of Gochas, east of Mariental, in an attempt to shake off the Police van.

About a kilometre outside Mariental, the Honda veered off the road after the driver lost control, Meyer said.

While he tried to regain control of the car, he crashed into the side of the oncoming bakkie, Meyer added.

"It was the worst carnage I've seen, the Honda's roof and two doors were lying scattered at the accident scene," Meyer said.

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