In a tragic incident on Wednesday, a small aircraft carrying oil workers crashed shortly after takeoff from an oilfield airport in South Sudan's Unity State, resulting in the deaths of 20 people. The plane was en route to the capital city, Juba, when it went down, according to Gatwech Bipal, the region's information minister.
Among the victims were five foreign nationals, including two Chinese citizens. The identities of the other foreign nationals have not yet been released. The aircraft was reportedly transporting personnel from the oilfields, a key industry in the region, which has been working towards economic recovery following years of conflict.
Rescue operations are currently underway as authorities search for possible survivors and investigate the cause of the crash. \"We are deeply saddened by this tragic event,\" Bipal stated. \"Our teams are working diligently to provide assistance and to determine what happened.\"
The crash highlights the challenges faced in maintaining infrastructure and ensuring safety in a nation striving to rebuild. South Sudan, rich in oil reserves, relies heavily on air transport to connect remote areas with major cities, making aviation safety a critical concern.
The Chinese embassy in South Sudan has been notified and is coordinating with local authorities to address the situation involving its citizens. Families of the victims are being contacted, and support services are being offered.
This incident marks one of the deadliest air disasters in the region in recent years. Past aviation incidents have often been attributed to poor weather conditions, maintenance issues, or pilot error. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the factors that led to this tragic event.
As the nation mourns, government officials emphasize the need for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure improvements to prevent future tragedies. International partners and organizations may also play a role in supporting these efforts.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Reference(s):
Plane crash in South Sudan kills 20, rescue efforts underway
cgtn.com
