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South Sudan fighting fills hospital morgue, doctor says

A doctor at a hospital in South Sudan's capital says soldiers have brought in scores of bodies from gunfire that erupted throughout the city Friday evening.

Gunfire reported outside presidential compound

South Sudan's first president, Salva Kiir, is escorted by security during a ceremony celebrating the anniversary of South Sudan's first Independence day, on July 9, 2012 in Juba, South Sudan. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)

A doctor at a hospital in South Sudan's capital says soldiers have brought in scores of bodies from gunfire that erupted throughout the city Friday evening.

The doctor said Saturday that a total count of the dead is not available because soldiers are not allowing doctors to examine the bodies, but he said the morgue is full at Juba Teaching Hospital.

It was the first word of deaths. The doctor insisted on speaking on condition of anonymity because of fears for his safety.

The gunfire began outside the presidential compound as President Salva Kiir was meeting with first vice president and former rebel leader Riek Machar.

The former rivals issued a call for calm as fears grow of a return to civil war.

Residents are reporting quiet streets Saturday morning.