Melut County Authorities say they will open a case against companies operating in the oil field  after two people died today, allegedly due to complications from oil pollution.

Melut County Commissioner Akuoch Teng told Eye Radio that a woman and a little boy died while undergoing treatment at the hospital.

He said the oil pollution in his county has reached a disastrous level which needs urgent intervention.

“We have received a message now from Egypt that one of those who was affected due to drinking of unclean water, a lady, passed away,” he added.

Yesterday, Commissioner Akuoch reported that two boys have been admitted to a hospital in a critical condition – allegedly as a result of the effects of oil pollution.

“Things are getting worse. There is also another boy who died today in Juba Teaching Hospital. So, the effects is becoming too much, people are dying.”

Last week, Melut County officials reported cases of birth defects and skin problems.

Early this month, the Minister of Petroleum and Mining said the government is working on relocating people living in areas polluted by oil spill to safer place.