A plane crash in northern South Sudan has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, with only one confirmed survivor, according to Unity State’s minister for information. The crash occurred near the oil fields in Unity State at approximately 10:30 am local time (0830 GMT), shortly after the aircraft took off for the capital, Juba.
“The plane crashed 500 meters from the airport,” said Gatwech Bipal Both, who spoke with AFP by phone. “There were 21 people aboard, and currently, there is only one survivor.”
The sole survivor, a South Sudanese engineer working at the oil field, has been taken to Bentiu State hospital. The Ukrainian passenger aircraft, chartered by the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) and operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company, was on a routine mission.
“The state government is deeply saddened by this accident,” Both added, noting that an investigation would take place. He also mentioned that many suspected a mechanical failure, though no further details were provided.
The passenger list included 16 South Sudanese, two Chinese nationals, and one Indian. Pictures on social media showed the overturned plane in a field, with debris scattered around.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has faced political and economic instability. The country lacks a reliable transport infrastructure, and air accidents are common, often attributed to overloading or poor weather conditions.
In 2021, five people died in a cargo plane crash near Juba, and in 2015, a plane crash in Juba claimed 36 lives. Overloading was believed to have contributed to both incidents.
