(AWEIL WEST) – A Land Cruiser pickup travelling as part of a wedding convoy overturned yesterday in Akeuic Village, Aweil West County, injuring several people and leaving the driver unaccounted for. The vehicle was en route to Marialbaai for the traditional wedding of Yai Deng Pioth and Atap Riiny Riiny.
According to eyewitness accounts, the crash occurred after the driver of the pickup attempted to overtake other vehicles in the convoy. During the manoeuvre, the vehicle struck a sand heap—a roadside pile of soil placed for maintenance work—which caused the vehicle to flip multiple times before landing off road.
All passengers in the vehicle sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. Emergency responders and bystanders rushed to the scene and the injured were quickly transported to Nyamlel Hospital for treatment. Hospital sources confirmed that the victims are currently receiving medical attention.
Authorities say the driver fled the scene immediately after the accident. Witnesses reported seeing him exit through the window of the overturned vehicle and escape into nearby bushes. His whereabouts remain unknown.
Security teams are now conducting a search operation in Akeuic and surrounding areas to locate the missing driver. Officials believe his testimony will be essential to determining the full cause of the accident.
Police are continuing to investigate the crash and have asked anyone with information about the driver’s location to report to local authorities. The incident is being treated as a serious traffic matter with potential legal implications.