A recent plane crash in South Sudan has resulted in the deaths of 20 oil workers, with only one survivor. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff near Unity State while en route to the capital, Juba. Among the victims were five foreign nationals, and investigations into the cause are ongoing amidst concerns regarding the country’s aviation safety record.
A tragic plane crash in South Sudan has claimed the lives of 20 oil workers, with only one survivor reported. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff near the oil fields in Unity State, amidst a routine journey to the capital, Juba. The victims included five foreign nationals, specifically two Chinese, one Indian, and two Ugandan crew members, alongside 15 South Sudanese nationals.
The South Sudanese authorities, represented by Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, announced that the cause of the crash remains undetermined and an investigation is underway. Minister Chol expressed condolences to the families affected by this devastating event, emphasizing the collective grief during this difficult time.
The ill-fated aircraft was operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company and was transporting oil workers employed by the Greater Pioneer Company (GPOC), a joint venture with stakeholders from various countries including India, China, Malaysia, and South Sudan. South Sudan’s aviation system is notably underdeveloped, and the country is characterized by a concerning safety record.
Air accidents are commonplace in South Sudan, often attributed to issues such as aircraft overloading or adverse weather conditions. A previous incident in 2021 resulted in five fatalities when a cargo plane for the UN’s World Food Programme crashed.
This catastrophe adds to the ongoing challenges facing South Sudan’s aviation sector, highlighting the need for improved safety regulations and infrastructure. As authorities seek to determine the crash’s cause, it serves as a painful reminder of the hazards faced by those working in the oil industry in the region.
The aviation infrastructure in South Sudan remains severely underdeveloped, resulting in a high incidence of air accidents. Factors such as aircraft overloading and poor weather conditions frequently lead to tragic incidents. Recent occurrences have drawn attention to the persistent issues surrounding air safety, notably following incidents involving cargo planes supporting humanitarian efforts in the region. This particular crash emphasizes the urgent need for scrutiny and enhancement of aviation safety standards in the country.
In summary, the plane crash in South Sudan has resulted in significant loss of life, with the government currently probing the cause of the tragedy. The South Sudanese aviation sector’s ongoing challenges accentuate the pressing need for reforms to improve safety. This incident not only impacts the families of the victims but also raises broader questions concerning the safety of aviation operations in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
