At least four passengers, including a child, died after a 14-seater commercial vehicle overturned along the Juba-Nimule highway Wednesday afternoon.
The Juba-Nimule highway is a lifeline for South Sudan, which imports almost everything from neighbouring countries.
The first ever 192-kelomtres paved road was built by the United States government to foster economic growth in South Sudan. After its completion in 2012, the road reduced travel time between Nimule and Juba from eight hours to less than three hours.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj after the accident, Major David Khasmiro, the inspector of police in Nimule town, blamed the deadly accident on excessive speed.
“The accident happened in Kerepi when a bus overturned and killed three people on the spot, and a child of 12 years died later at the hospital. Overspeeding is the cause of this accident. As you know, the road has a lot of potholes,” he said.
“The condition of the road is terrible, and it causes accidents like what has occurred today at around noon. So I am urging the drivers to drive slowly; they can still reach, so they should not be in a hurry because of money,” he added.
Dr Sylvester Nyuma, the medical director at Nimule Hospital, also confirmed that three people died on the spot while a child died later at the hospital.
“We sent an ambulance to the scene. Three passengers died on the spot and ten others sustained injuries. Doctors tried their level best at the ward, but unfortunately, one person died, and another person who is in critical condition is responding to treatment,” he explained.
The medical doctor appealed to the drivers to understand that they are carrying the lives of humans as they use a poor road.
“You know the life of a human being is one, and everyone’s life is precious. The road is terrible. This is not a time drivers should look after money but on people’s lives,” Dr Nyuma said.
In October, Radio Tamazuj reported about the poor condition of the Juba-Nimule road after complaints by importers of goods and truck drivers. However, there have been no answers from the South Sudanese government as to when the highway will be repaired.
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