A tragic plane crash in South Sudan has claimed the lives of 20 oil workers, with only one person surviving, the government has confirmed.
The aircraft, en route to the capital, Juba, crashed just three minutes after takeoff near oil fields in Unity State on Wednesday morning, according to Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol.
Among the deceased were five foreign nationals, including two Chinese, one Indian, and two Ugandan crew members. The remaining 15 victims were South Sudanese.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash, but an investigation is underway.
“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who perished in this tragic incident,” Minister Chol stated, offering condolences.
The oil workers, all men, were employees of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), and the ill-fated flight was operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company. GPOC is a joint venture involving state-owned oil companies from South Sudan, India, China, and Malaysia.
The flight was reportedly a routine exploration mission before disaster struck.
South Sudan has long struggled with underdeveloped aviation infrastructure and a poor air safety record. Air accidents are frequent, often attributed to aircraft overloading or adverse weather conditions.
In 2021, another deadly crash occurred when a cargo plane carrying fuel for the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) crashed near Juba, killing five people.
Investigators are now working to determine what led to this latest tragedy.
SOURCE: BBC
Join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakDz4u9RZATWh53yC1a
