Three Kiir soldiers Perish In Nasty Yumbe Accident

By Andrew Cohen Amvesi        

Arua  

Three South Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) soldiers have been confirmed dead while five others sustained serious injuries following a nasty road accident in Yumbe district.

Police said the accident occurred at about2:00pm along Yumbe – Koboko road in Gojuru village, Kochi Sub County on Monday.

Josephine Angucia, the North Western police spokesperson said a total 11 armed SPLA soldiers were aboard a South Sudan military Land Cruiser vehicle with registration number SPLA 02302HQS at the time of the accident.

“The SPLA Land Cruiser came in a head on collusion with a Canter motor vehicle UAY 874A which was distributing beverages in Yumbe district leading to the terrible accident,” said Angucia.

She identified the dead as; Cpl. Joseph Dhel Akuch, Pt James Abraham Jacob and Cpl. Mabio Deng Kuch.

Those in critical condition were identified as; Sgt Kabino Mariak Mayot, Sgt. Abraham Kuol Madut, Sgt. Akeen Chan Bol, Sgt. Agam Ujulnu Clian and Cpl Bol Maduok Arou.

Meanwhile those, who escaped unhurt, were the group team leader Maj. Akol Manjil, Cpl. Isia Taban Benit and Pt. Peter Makol Mungai.

Angucia also noted that the two passengers in the Ugandan truck were not injured in the accident.

She said all the soldiers are attached to Kajo Keji military barracks in South Sudan.

According to Angucia, the soldiers requested for person from Ugandan authorities to use the Ugandan Moyo – Yumbe – Koboko route to take salary for their colleagues in Kaya, saying it was the shortest route for them.

Angucia, however, blamed the accident on reckless driving on the side of the SPLA.

She observed that the SPLA were driving at high speed and on the right hand side of the road forgetting that they were already in Uganda.

The PRO said the injured SPLA soldiers were at first rushed by police to Yumbe hospital and later transferred with the bodies of their colleagues to South Sudan for further management.