In brief
In a tragic incident, a plane crash in South Sudan has resulted in the deaths of 20 oil workers, with only one person surviving. The aircraft went down just three minutes after its departure, with the Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol confirming the grave news. The plane was en route to Juba from oil fields in Unity State when the accident occurred on Wednesday morning.
Among the deceased are five foreign nationals, including two Chinese citizens, one Indian, and two Ugandan crew members, while the rest of the victims were South Sudanese workers. The exact cause of the crash has yet to be determined, but investigations are currently underway. Minister Chol expressed condolences, stating, "Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those on board during this incredibly difficult time."The oil workers were employed by the Greater Pioneer Company (GPOC), a consortium that includes several state-owned oil enterprises from India, China, Malaysia, and South Sudan. The plane was operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company, and the flight was intended to be a routine exploration mission. Unfortunately, South Sudan is known for its inadequate aviation infrastructure and a concerning safety record, with air accidents frequently attributed to factors such as aircraft overloading and adverse weather conditions. Notably, in 2021, a cargo aircraft for the UN's World Food Programme also crashed near Juba, resulting in the loss of five lives. The continual occurrence of aviation incidents raises critical questions about the safety standards and operational practices in the region's aviation sector.
