 |
| A passenger plane crashed at an airport in South Sudan's Unity state on Wednesday | Photo: Reuters |
A small aircraft carrying oil company employees crashed in South Sudan’s Unity State on Wednesday, killing at least 20 people, officials confirmed.
The aircraft belonged to Greater Pioneer Operating Company, an oil firm operating in the region.
Unity State Information Minister Gatwech Bipal stated that the plane was scheduled to depart for Juba's capital but crashed during takeoff. Among the victims were two Chinese nationals and one Indian citizen, along with several engineers and technicians.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir expressed condolences to the victims' families and assured them that a thorough investigation would be launched to determine the cause of the crash.
This incident adds to a troubling history of aviation disasters in South Sudan. In September 2018, a passenger plane crashed while traveling from Juba to Yirol, killing at least 19 people.
In 2015, a cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Juba International Airport, resulting in the deaths of dozens on board.
Authorities are now working to recover wreckage and bodies while experts analyze the cause of the latest crash. Investigators are expected to assess possible mechanical failures, weather conditions, and potential operational failures.