Yei River County authorities are currently holding a 35-year-old man named Bosco in custody after a tragic traffic incident that occurred on Monday evening in Yei town.
At around 7:00 pm, Bosco, who was heavily intoxicated, lost control of his vehicle along the Yei-Lasu road, resulting in an accident that killed one young man and left another in critical condition.
Police Inspector Fiscel John told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that preliminary investigations have confirmed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
He emphasized the need for the community to refrain from drinking and driving, highlighting the devastating consequences that can arise from such irresponsible behaviour.
The police officer said efforts are underway to restrict the sale of alcohol by business owners until 3:00 pm in order to minimize the occurrence of accidents.
An inspection team will be dispatched to bars and hotels to enforce this regulation promptly, he added.
Issa Abdu, an eyewitness to the accident, recounted the harrowing incident, stating that the driver was speeding and struck the two young men who were standing by the roadside. The impact of the collision propelled them to a significant distance, causing severe injuries.
The victim of this tragic incident has been identified as Joseph Kuol, a senior student at Nile High Secondary School. Known for his hardworking nature, ambition, and humble demeanour, Joseph succumbed to a skull fracture sustained in the accident. The survivor, Nato, an Eritrean national and also a student, is currently receiving treatment at Yei Civil Hospital.
Last year, the local government attempted to ban the sale of toxic drinks in town, but the ban was short-lived and did not have the desired effect.