Col. Daniel Majuec Mayek, Director of Traffic Police in Lakes State, confirmed that the driver of the vehicle has been arrested for investigation following the tragic accident.
The commercial Toyota Landcruiser, travelling from Juba to Wau in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, overturned near the Malou-pech border with Tonj South County.
According to Colonel Majuec, the accident occurred when the vehicle’s tires caught fire, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to flip.
“The accident claimed three lives on the spot, and four other passengers sustained critical injuries,” Majuec said. The injured were rushed to Tonj Hospital in Warrap State for urgent medical treatment. The driver and conductor sustained minor injuries and are in custody as investigations continue.
Preliminary investigations point to excessive speed as a primary cause of the crash.
“The driver was operating the vehicle at high speed, which contributed to the overturning,” Majuec explained. He emphasised the need for drivers to adhere to safe driving practices, particularly on the region’s challenging roads.
“The road is shared by many—pedestrians, livestock, and other vehicles. Drivers must exercise caution and drive at a reasonable speed to avoid such tragedies,” he said.
Majuec also highlighted the poor condition of roads in Lakes State, noting that heavy rainfall often renders them impassable.
“When it rains, the roads become slippery and dangerous. Drivers must adjust their speed accordingly,” he added.
The director urged all drivers to prioritise passenger safety, stating, “The lives of your passengers are in your hands. A moment of recklessness can lead to irreversible loss.”
Local authorities are working to improve road safety awareness and enforce traffic regulations to prevent future accidents. Residents of Cueibet County have expressed grief over the loss of lives and called for stricter measures to ensure safer travel conditions in the region.
