While confirming the incident, an authority said the vehicle was overloaded with 14 passengers, including the driver.

By Emmanuel Mandella

Thirteen students from Mandela Secondary School in Yambio are receiving medical treatment after they were injured in a car accident along Saura Road. The incident occurred when the vehicle they were traveling in suffered a tire puncture, causing the crash.

According to Major General Hussein Girisi, Director of the National Police Service in Western Equatoria State, while confirming the incident, said the vehicle was overloaded with 14 passengers, including the driver.

“Thankfully, there were no fatalities. The injured students are receiving treatment at Yambio State Hospital, and their conditions are stable,” he said.

The students were on their way to attend a funeral of one of their colleagues in Nzara. The deceased was among four people shot dead on Tuesday, along the Nzara-Ringasi Road.

Major General Girisi cautioned against overloading vehicles and exceeding speed limits, particularly for cars designed for slow movement within towns.

“Drivers must understand that overloading puts lives at risk. Many accidents happen due to reckless driving, lack of traffic discipline, and failure to meet road safety requirements,” he said.

He also warned against driving without the necessary traffic documents, urging all motorists to ensure their licenses are valid.

Despite this incident, Girisi noted that Yambio has not recorded any major traffic accidents this year. However, he advised all drivers and motorcycle riders to check their licenses and renew them if expired to avoid legal issues.

Road safety in the country remains a growing concern due to poor infrastructure, lack of strict traffic law enforcement, and outdated traffic regulations.

The South Sudan Traffic Act mandates strict adherence to speed limits and prohibits overloading, yet enforcement remains inconsistent. Many roads, including those in Western Equatoria, are in poor condition, making accidents more frequent, especially during the rainy season.

According to road safety analysts, the country’s limited number of licensed drivers and unregulated commercial transport services contribute to high accident rates. Travelers often face difficulties due to unpaved roads, frequent mechanical failures, and a lack of emergency response services.

Relatives of the injured students expressed concern over the accident, calling for stricter traffic enforcement. Emmanuel Seme, an uncle to one of the students, said:

“We are grateful that no lives were lost, but this should be a wake-up call. Authorities need to ensure drivers follow safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Meanwhile, Esther Tambuaha, a resident in Yambio blamed reckless driving and poor road conditions for the rampant accidents. “Our roads are in terrible shape, and many drivers don’t follow safety rules. It’s time for the government to take action,” she said.

As investigations continue, authorities urge motorists to prioritize safety, avoid overloading, and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent tragedies in future.

“We are grateful that no lives were lost, but this should be a wake-up call. Authorities need to ensure drivers follow safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future,” Emmanuel Seme, an uncle to one of the students, said.