Sudanese passenger crushed to death at Tonj South checkpoint, driver arrested

AWEIL – Police in Tonj South County of Warrap State have detained a truck driver following a tragic incident in which a Sudanese passenger was fatally crushed beneath a vehicle at a security checkpoint.

The accident happened at dawn on Tuesday as the driver, identified as Michael John, was transporting cattle to Juba. According to William Wol Bol, head of the Tonj South Police Patrol Unit, the truck had been stopped at a checkpoint for routine inspection and clearance.

Bol said the driver and his passenger, identified as Dunia Ngor Deng, a Sudanese national, waited for some time as officers conducted checks. During the stop, Deng reportedly moved under the truck to shield himself from the early morning cold.

Unaware that his passenger had positioned himself beneath the vehicle, the driver started the engine and drove off shortly after being given the green light to proceed. He inadvertently ran over Deng, who died instantly at the scene.

“What happened is that the driver, Michael John, was moving with a transit goods vehicle carrying cows to Juba, and the Sudanese man was traveling with him,” Bol explained. “They were stopped for clearance and spent some time at the checkpoint. Unknowingly, the passenger felt cold and went to sleep under the vehicle. When the driver was cleared to move, he started the engine and unfortunately killed the passenger.”

The driver was immediately taken into custody and remains under detention pending further investigation. Police said statements have been recorded and the circumstances surrounding the incident are being reviewed.

Authorities confirmed that the deceased has since been buried as they await his relatives to formally follow up on legal procedures.

The incident has sparked renewed concern over safety practices during long-distance travel, particularly involving cargo trucks.

Traffic officers in the area have urged drivers to exercise greater caution before moving their vehicles, especially after prolonged stops. Local observers say such tragedies highlight the need for improved safety awareness among both drivers and passengers to prevent avoidable loss of life.