AWEIL – A driver has died, and five others were injured after a fuel tanker overturned and exploded in Awan-Rieu Payam, Pan-Liet Town, Gogrial West County of South Sudan’s Warrap State.
Local authorities said the incident occurred at around 4:00 AM on Thursday when the tanker, which was distributing fuel in the area, veered off the road and overturned. Efforts to salvage the situation turned tragic when the vehicle caught fire during an attempted fuel transfer operation.
According to police inspector Ajal Bol, the driver and his colleagues had called for another tanker to assist in offloading the fuel. Using a generator, they attempted to transfer the fuel from the overturned truck. However, the process sparked a fire that quickly escalated into a deadly explosion.
“What happened is that the fuel tanker overturned, and the driver, together with his associates, tried to recover it by calling for another vehicle. They began using a generator to remove the fuel, but unfortunately, it caught fire,” Bol explained.
The driver, identified as Ali Musa, died on the spot. Among the injured are three Somali nationals and two South Sudanese, some of whom sustained critical injuries.
Inspector Bol described the incident as sudden and shocking, noting that flames and thick smoke shot high into the sky, drawing curious residents to the scene. Security forces had to disperse crowds to prevent further casualties.
“Many residents rushed to the scene without realising the danger. We had to drive them away to avoid more injuries, as such explosions can be deadly,” he said.
Authorities attributed the accident to poor road conditions, which caused the tanker to lose control and overturn. The use of a generator near spilled fuel is also believed to have triggered the fire.
The injured were rushed to medical facilities for treatment. Two victims with minor injuries were taken to Mother Teresa Hospital in Turalei, while three critically injured individuals were transferred to Wau for specialised care.
Officials have urged residents to avoid approaching accident scenes involving fuel tankers, warning that such situations can lead to catastrophic explosions.
The incident echoes a past tragedy in Western Equatoria, where a fuel-related fire claimed dozens of lives, underscoring the persistent risks associated with fuel transportation and handling in the country.
