At least 20 people have died in a plane crash in South Sudan’s northern region, near the oil fields of Unity state. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff at around 10:30 am local time on Wednesday, just 500 meters from the airport, while en route to the capital, Juba.
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The aircraft, carrying 21 passengers, tragically crashed, with only one survivor confirmed. The victims included 16 South Sudanese nationals, two Chinese nationals, and one Indian, all employees of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC). The crash has also claimed the lives of both the pilot and co-pilot.
The plane was reportedly on a routine mission when the incident occurred. Social media images showed the wreckage of the plane flipped over in a field, surrounded by scattered debris.
Overloading of aircraft has been a recurring issue in South Sudan, which was linked to a deadly crash in 2015, further raising concerns about flight safety in the region.
