A South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) military vehicle overturned Tuesday in Rumbek, killing two civilians and injuring 10 others, including three critically, officials said.
The crash occurred near Anyijong village in Malek Payam, Rumbek Central County, after the driver lost control of the speeding vehicle, said Brig. Gen. Moses Machuoc Bol, a traffic police officer.
Brig. Gen. Bol told Radio Tamazuj that the truck was transporting a sick soldier from a military outpost to Rumbek State Hospital and was also carrying civilians.
“The vehicle was overspeeding, hit a pothole, and overturned when the driver lost control,” Bol said. “Two people—a man and a woman—died at the scene, while 10 others were injured, including the driver.”
Three victims suffered severe head injuries and were awaiting transfer to Juba for further treatment, he added.
Dr. Terran Madit Terran, medical director of Rumbek State Hospital, said the injured arrived at the facility around 2 p.m., three hours after the crash.
“Two died on the spot, and 10 were brought here with injuries ranging from minor wounds to serious head trauma,” Terran said.
Civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon condemned the incident, calling it the third such crash involving an SSPDF vehicle due to speeding.
“We urge military drivers to exercise caution,” Kon said. “The lives of passengers are in their hands, especially on rough roads.”