A plane crash in South Sudan has claimed the lives of 20 oil workers, with only one survivor. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near Unity State while en route to Juba. Among the deceased are five foreign nationals, while the cause of the crash remains under investigation, drawing attention to the region’s poor aviation safety record.
A tragic plane crash in South Sudan has resulted in the deaths of 20 oil workers, with only one survivor reported. The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft took off from oil fields in Unity State, en route to the capital, Juba. As confirmed by Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, the crash took place just three minutes post-departure and involved various nationalities among the deceased. The victims included five foreign nationals: two from China, one from India, and two Ugandan crew members, with the remaining 15 being South Sudanese.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, though no definitive conclusions have been drawn. Minister Chol expressed condolences to the families affected, emphasizing the grave nature of this incident. The oil workers, all male, were employed by the Greater Pioneer Company (GPOC), with the flight operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company. This flight was intended for a routine exploration mission.
South Sudan’s aviation sector is poorly developed, resulting in a significant safety risk. Air accidents frequently occur, often attributed to aircraft overloading or adverse weather conditions. In a notable incident from 2021, five people lost their lives when a cargo plane crashed near Juba while transporting fuel for the UN’s World Food Programme. The lack of robust aviation infrastructure continues to pose challenges for air travel in the region.
The aviation safety record in South Sudan is alarming, with a history of frequent accidents attributed to insufficient infrastructure and pilots operating under precarious conditions. The country’s aviation services face significant challenges, including limited regulatory oversight and a high likelihood of technical failures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of these ongoing issues, exacerbated by the lack of advanced air traffic management systems and proper maintenance protocols.
In conclusion, the recent plane crash in South Sudan has resulted in the untimely deaths of 20 oil workers, highlighting the severe safety deficiencies of the nation’s aviation sector. With the investigation into the cause ongoing, this tragedy draws attention to the critical need for improved aviation standards and infrastructure to prevent future accidents. The plight of the families affected underscores the human cost of such incidents in countries with similar aviation challenges.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
