In brief
In a heartbreaking incident in South Sudan, a plane crash claimed the lives of 20 oil workers, with only one individual surviving. The aircraft went down shortly after take-off near Unity State on Wednesday morning, as confirmed by Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol. The doomed flight was en route to the capital city of Juba when tragedy struck just three minutes into the journey.
Among the deceased are five foreign nationals, including two Chinese, one Indian, and two Ugandan crew members. The remaining victims were all South Sudanese nationals, employed by the Greater Pioneer Company (GPOC). The aircraft was operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company. The flight, intended for a routine exploration mission, ended in catastrophe.While the exact cause of the crash has yet to be established, authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the disaster. Minister Chol extended condolences to the families of the deceased during this sorrowful time. South Sudan faces ongoing challenges with its aviation infrastructure, often cited for poor safety records due to overloading issues and adverse weather conditions. The country has witnessed multiple air accidents in recent years, including a crash in 2021 that resulted in the death of five people.This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with aviation in regions with underdeveloped infrastructure.
