Kajokeji, South Sudan — At least nine people have died after a vehicle was swept away by floodwaters at the Lu’bajo crossing near the Kajokeji airstrip, authorities confirmed.

Local officials reported that the victims included eight women and one child. Five other passengers survived the incident. The group was travelling in a Toyota Land Cruiser pickup truck as part of a convoy transporting a body from Juba to Bori Boma.

Eyewitnesses said torrential rains earlier in the day caused water levels to rise rapidly, submerging the Irish bridge that connects Lilye to the Kajokeji airstrip.

Fast-flowing floodwaters overwhelmed the crossing, sweeping the vehicle off the submerged bridge. Rescue operations are ongoing, and officials have not yet released the names of the deceased.

Story by Ginaba Lino | SAKO Media Content Contributor