Aweil Road Accident Shocks Northern Bahr el Ghazal
AWEIL – A road accident in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State left one man dead after a truck struck a motorbike carrying four brothers on their way toward Aweil Town.
Local accounts said the incident occurred on Sunday at Maluil-Akong Boma, before the riders reached Aweil Town. The crash quickly drew attention in the area due to the victims’ family ties.
Victim Identified as University of Juba IT Student
The victim was identified as Wol Garang Wek, 30, a student of Information Technology at the University of Juba, according to people familiar with the family.
He was travelling from Nyamlel Town in Aweil West County with his three brothers, reportedly heading to Madhol Hospital near Aweil Town.
Family Trip to Madhol Hospital Ends in Tragedy
Local sources said the four brothers were seeking medical care for their elder brother, Majok Garang Wek, and chose to travel together on a single motorbike.
The motorbike was hit by a Sino truck at Maluil-Akong Boma. Wol Garang Wek later died from injuries linked to the crash, while the other three were taken to Aweil Civil Hospital.
Traffic Police Cite Overtaking and Possible Overloading
Colonel Abuk Maria, Deputy Director of Traffic Police in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, confirmed the incident and described the circumstances to Sudan Post.
“The four brothers were riding on one motorbike and were travelling to Madhol Hospital. As they tried to overtake a truck ahead of them, the motorbike was struck,” Maria said.
Maria named the brothers as Majok Garang Wek, Wol Garang Wek, Deng, and Lual Big, described as a well-known local artist.
She added that overloading may have been a contributing factor. “We suspect that the motorbike was carrying excessive weight. One of the riders died following complications from the crash,” Maria said.
Truck Driver Detained as Police Investigate
Police detained the truck driver while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the collision, according to the traffic authorities.
Officials have not publicly provided further details on the inquiry, as police work to establish a clear sequence of events and responsibilities.
Community Mourning and Road Safety Calls in Aweil
On Monday, residents in Aweil expressed shock at Wol Garang Wek’s death, with condolences circulating in the community, according to local observations reported from the town.
Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Governor Charles Madut Akol, accompanied by members of his cabinet, visited Aweil Civil Hospital to check on the injured survivors, including Lual Big.
Traffic authorities urged road users to remain cautious and avoid reckless driving, especially on busy public roads where speeding, overtaking, and vehicle loading can raise risks.