Nine mourners die in Kajo-Keji bridge incident after heavy rains

2026-03-25 - 18:53

At least nine people, including eight women and one child, have died after their vehicle was swept off a flooded bridge in Kajo-Keji County following heavy rains. The incident occurred at the Lu’bajo bridge crossing near the airstrip, when a vehicle traveling in a funeral convoy from Juba to Bori Boma was overtaken by rising المياه and carried away. According to a statement posted on the official page of the Diocese of Kajo-Keji, five people survived the حادثة. The victims were part of a convoy heading for burial arrangements when the Toyota Landcruiser occurred at the submerged Irish bridge, a type of low-level crossing prone to flooding during the rainy season. Local authorities say seasonal rains often render such crossings impassable, increasing the risk of accidents. Roads in Kajo-Keji and other parts of South Sudan have remained in poor condition since independence in 2011, with limited infrastructure development and maintenance. Many roads are unpaved and become difficult to navigate during heavy rains, cutting off communities and exposing travelers to danger. In rural areas, bridges are often temporary or low-lying, making them vulnerable to flooding. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over the state of roads and transport networks, calling for durable infrastructure to improve safety and access, particularly during the rainy season. Authorities have not yet issued further details on recovery efforts or investigations into the incident.