A Bebeto commercial bus travelling from Juba to Nimule caught fire this morning in the Moli area, between Kitfo and Kotemiga, but fortunately, all passengers—including the driver—escaped unharmed.
Local authorities have confirmed that there were no casualties in the fire incident.
Andruga Isaac, the Moli area chief, told Radio Tamazuj that the cause of the fire remains unclear. He stated, “The bus just heated up and caught fire on its own. The passengers had to run for their lives, and the vehicle was completely burnt.”
The community leader pointed out that passengers were able to find alternative transportation to continue their journey. “The people inside climbed onto other vehicles passing by,” Chief Isaac explained.
Isaac also advised drivers to avoid speeding on the deteriorating road, which he said has become riddled with holes and water hazards. He suggested that bus companies give drivers more time—at least two days—to complete the journey from Juba to Nimule safely.
Felix Makumoi, the Pageri area chief, confirmed the incident, though he was uncertain of its exact cause. He speculated that it might have been due to a wiring issue.
A video circulating on social media also shows dozens of passengers fleeing from the fire scene.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Louis Onorio Idenge, the Director for Traffic in Eastern Equatoria state, said that he had not received any official reports on the incident.
In September, at least one person was killed and several others wounded when gunmen ambushed a Bebeto Coach SSD 089Z Bus bound for Uganda on the Juba-Nimule Road.
The Juba-Nimule highway is the only lifeline that connects South Sudan to neighbouring Uganda and Kenya for the supply of goods to South Sudan’s capital.