Officials in Western Equatoria State confirmed that four South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) soldiers sustained injuries when their vehicle overturned in Nagero County on Monday.
Maj. Gen. Hussain Giirisi, the Director of Traffic Police in the state, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that the accident occurred at around 6 p.m. when a vehicle belonging to the SSPDF overturned in Nagero County, critically injuring three soldiers.
“The injured soldiers were taken to Tambura Hospital while the vehicle was taken to the SSPDF’s Boo Barracks,” he said. “The driver of the vehicle was identified as Ring.”
Maj. Gen. Giirisi urged drivers to adhere to traffic regulations and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
“The safety of all passengers depends on the driver’s ability to maintain focus and stay sober,” he emphasized. “I advise all drivers, not just the SSPDF, to ensure they are fit to drive and not under the influence of alcohol.”
For his part, Dr. Gabriel Benai Juma Yabala, the Medical Director at Tambura County Hospital, confirmed that they received the three injured soldiers.
“This (Monday) morning, we received two soldiers in critical condition after witnesses reported that their vehicle overturned. The most seriously injured were brought to our hospital,” he explained. “One soldier had severe bleeding and low haemoglobin levels, requiring a blood transfusion. We could not manage the condition fully here, so we referred him for further treatment. Another soldier suffered blunt trauma to the back, rendering him unable to walk. We are waiting for an X-ray to determine the extent of his injury.”
Dr. Benai added: “A third soldier had an open fracture on his right foot and also could not walk.”
He said that the two critically injured soldiers would be referred for further medical care in Yambio.