Two people die in car accident on Juba—Bor road

December 24, 2012 (BOR) – Two people have died and five others were injured on Saturday when a bus crashed on the Juba-Bor road. The passengers were moving to Bor for Christmas and New Year festivities.

Relatives say a five-year old girl and a man in 30s died at the scene when the bus overturned several times shortly after Mogala, on the way to Bor. Three people sustained injuries and were taken to Juba for treatment.

The driver has been detained by police in Juba.

A car traveling from Bor to Juba also overturned on Sunday leaving three people injured.

The Juba-Bor 192km bus fee is between 100SSP [US$23] and 120SSP [US$28]. The 120km trip from Bor to Panyagor, the headquarters of Twic East county, is 150SSP [US$35]. To continue from Panyagor to Poktap in Duk county costs an additional 70SSP [US$16].

Despite the increased cost of travel during the holiday season, hundreds of buses are being hired for the celebration of festivals in villages.

In Bor, the capital of Jonglei state, Christmas Eve and Day are particularly busy.

Churches organise parades in which people sing gospel songs and march through the town and take part in overnight prayers in local churches.

The town is also busy as people do their last minute food and present shopping.

(ST)