A plane crash in South Sudan has resulted in at least 20 fatalities, with only one survivor confirmed. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff en route to Juba. Investigation efforts are underway, with experts suspecting mechanical failure. The victims included 16 South Sudanese, two Chinese, and one Indian nationals, all GPOC employees. President Kiir has called for a swift inquiry into the incident.
A devastating plane crash in Unity State, South Sudan has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, with only one confirmed survivor. The aircraft, which was a Ukrainian passenger plane chartered by the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) and operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company, went down shortly after departing for the capital, Juba, at 10:30 am local time. The aircraft crashed approximately 500 meters from the airport, according to the state’s Minister for Information, Gatwech Bipal Both.
The sole survivor, a South Sudanese engineer employed at the oil field, has been transported to Bentiu State Hospital for medical attention. The plane was engaged in a routine mission to the oil fields when the unfortunate incident occurred. As the investigation is set to commence, the minister mentioned that there are suspicions of a mechanical failure contributing to the accident.
The passenger manifest revealed that the deceased included 16 South Sudanese nationals, two Chinese nationals, and one Indian national, all of whom were employees of GPOC. Social media platforms have circulated images of the wrecked aircraft, which lay upside down in a field with debris strewn across a wide area. Some photos depicted a body trapped within the dismantled fuselage.
In response to the tragedy, President Salva Kiir conveyed his deep sympathies and extended prayers for the survivor’s swift recovery. He has directed the Ministry of Transport and relevant agencies to execute a thorough and prompt investigation into the incident to ascertain the detailed cause of the crash. South Sudan has a history of air safety challenges, often stemming from economic and political instability, exacerbated by unreliable transport infrastructure and common air accidents.
This incident unfolds against the backdrop of South Sudan’s turbulent history since gaining independence in 2011, characterized by ongoing economic and political instability. The nation has struggled with inadequate transport infrastructure, which has led to numerous air accidents, frequently attributed to factors such as overloading and adverse weather. The need to strengthen air safety regulations and oversight has become increasingly apparent as more tragedies befall the region’s aviation sector.
The recent plane crash in South Sudan highlights critical issues surrounding air safety and operational standards within the region. With 20 people dead and only one survivor, the incident emphasizes the urgent requirement for rigorous investigations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As the government takes steps to address this tragedy, the focus must remain on improving the overall safety and reliability of air travel in South Sudan.
Original Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
