A plane crash in South Sudan has claimed the lives of 20 oil workers, leaving only one survivor, the government confirmed.
The aircraft, en route to the capital, Juba, went down just three minutes after takeoff near oil fields in Unity State on Wednesday morning, according to Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol.
“The cause of the crash is yet to be determined, but investigations are underway,” Chol stated.
Among the deceased were five foreign nationals: two Chinese, one Indian, and two Ugandan crew members. The remaining 15 victims were South Sudanese.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those on board during this incredibly difficult time,” the minister added.
The victims, all men, were employees of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), a joint venture involving state-owned oil firms from South Sudan, India, China, and Malaysia.
The aircraft was operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company and was on what was meant to be a routine exploration mission.
South Sudan’s aviation sector faces ongoing challenges, with a history of accidents often attributed to overloading and adverse weather conditions.
In 2021, a cargo plane transporting fuel for the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) crashed near Juba, killing five people.
Source-BBC
