A devastating incident occurred in South Sudan's Unity State on Wednesday when a small aircraft carrying oil workers crashed, resulting in the loss of 20 lives. The tragic event took place at the Unity oilfield airport as the plane was en route to the capital, Juba.
The passengers on board were employees of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), a consortium that includes the China National Petroleum Corporation and the state-owned Nile Petroleum Corporation. Among the victims were two Chinese nationals and one Indian.
Unity State's information minister, Gatwech Bipal, confirmed the fatalities but did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initially reported as 18 casualties, the death toll rose to 20 after two survivors succumbed to their injuries. Only one person managed to survive the tragic accident.
This unfortunate incident adds to a series of air crashes that have plagued South Sudan in recent years. In September 2018, a similar tragedy occurred when a small aircraft carrying passengers from Juba to Yirol resulted in the loss of at least 19 lives. Additionally, in 2015, a Russian-built cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Juba airport, claiming the lives of numerous passengers.
Authorities are likely to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and implement measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.
