Plane crashes in South Sudan, kills 20
Astro Awani
30/01/2025
At least 20 people were killed in the crash of a Light Air Services plane in South Sudan, which was carrying engineers from the Unity oil well to Juba. -Reuters
JUBA: At least 20 people were reportedly killed in a plane crash in South Sudan on Wednesday.
At least 20 people were killed in the crash of a Light Air Services plane in South Sudan, which was carrying engineers from the Unity oil well to Juba.
The crash occurred about 10 minutes after takeoff, believed to be due to a structural failure of the plane's wings. Three other passengers sustained serious injuries.
Authorities launched a thorough investigation into the incident, working with the National Forensic Service and local authorities to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The plane, operated by logistics company Light Air Services, was carrying engineers from the Unity oil well to the capital, Juba, when it crashed shortly after takeoff. According to reports, the plane was carrying 21 people, including two pilots.
The crash occurred about 10 minutes after the plane took off, when one of the plane's wings reportedly broke in mid-air.
Among the victims included 16 South Sudanese, two Chinese nationals, and an Indian national.
Three other passengers sustained serious injuries and are being treated at a local hospital.
Local authorities and rescue teams immediately arrived at the scene to evacuate the injured and remove the bodies.
Preliminary investigations have suggested possible structural failure as the cause of the crash, but authorities are still investigating whether maintenance issues or adverse weather conditions also contributed to the incident.
The Ministry of Transport of South Sudan through the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board has launched a thorough investigation into this incident.
They are working with the National Forensic Service and local authorities to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The incident comes just a month after the tragedy of a Jeju Air flight at Muan International Airport that killed 179 of the 181 passengers and crew.
The incident adds to concerns over aviation safety in South Sudan.
The South Sudanese government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and promised to cooperate fully in this investigation.
Officials from Light Air Services have also expressed their commitment to assist in the investigation and ensure that similar incidents do not recur.
.jpg)
