At least three people were confirmed dead, and five others sustained serious injuries when a vehicle they were traveling in overturned along the Juba-Torit-Magwi road on Friday.
The police have confirmed that the vehicle, which was carrying eight passengers, overturned in the Ngasira area on the outskirts of Torit town due to overspeeding.
Lieutenant Adam Satiro Emmanuel, the Director of Traffic Police in Torit said: “When the vehicle overturned three people died on the spot and five people are in critical condition and they are currently at the Torit State Hospital.”
He said, “According to the driver, the tyre burst while at high speed. He tried but was unable to control it and the vehicle overturned with its tyres up. This happens, so people should be careful. Overspeeding does not help, try to drive at low speed because of the passengers.”
Eastern Equatoria State police commissioner Monday Enoka also confirmed the accident.
However, despite acknowledging that overspeeding could be the cause, he faulted construction companies for failing to place traffic signs, especially in black spot areas.
“When I was traveling to Juba I found many accidents that there were in some spots where it could have been indicated by the construction company so that the drivers are aware of the dangers. In some places, the driver is surprised by something on the road in less than a foot. This has been the major cause of the accident and is a concern to us. There is also overspeeding since the highway is clean,” he stated.
Enoka cautioned drivers against speeding by observing traffic rules and regulations and preserving lives.