JUBA: A plane crash in South Sudan killed 20 oil workers and crew members, officials said. Only one person survived with a critical condition.
According to media reports, the aircraft crashed in Unity State at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. It went down just five minutes after takeoff while heading to Juba.
Regional officials confirmed the details. The plane had earlier arrived carrying the President of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC).
The crash killed 20 people, including both pilots and 18 GPOC engineers, technical staff, and employees. The victims included two Chinese, two Ugandans, one Indian, and 15 South Sudanese nationals. Rescuers found one survivor in critical condition.
South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, said authorities are investigating the cause. Officials have not yet identified the aircraft type. However, images show it was a medium-sized transport plane.
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“I am deeply saddened by this tragic crash in Unity State,” President Mayardit said. “These individuals worked for our country’s progress. We all mourn their loss.”
