Tragic Plane Crash in South Sudan Claims 20 Lives, Leaving One Survivor
A devastating plane crash in South Sudan has claimed the lives of 20 oil workers, with only one survivor. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Unity State. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash, while condolences were extended to the victims’ families. The incident highlights ongoing issues regarding aviation safety in South Sudan.
A tragic plane crash occurred in South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of 20 oil workers. Only one individual survived the incident, according to official reports from the government. The aircraft, which was en route to Juba, crashed just three minutes after taking off from Unity State near oil fields on Wednesday morning. The Petroleum Minister, Puot Kang Chol, confirmed the details of the crash.
Among those who perished, there were five foreign nationals, consisting of two Chinese, one Indian, and two Ugandan crew members. The remaining fifteen victims were all South Sudanese nationals. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined, and an investigation is currently underway. Minister Chol extended condolences to the families of those on board during this difficult time.
The oil workers, exclusively male, were employed by the Greater Pioneer Company (GPOC), while the flight was conducted by Light Air Services Aviation Company. It was intended to be a routine exploration mission. The GPOC is a consortium involving state-owned oil enterprises from India, China, Malaysia, and South Sudan, highlighting the importance of oil in the region’s economy.
South Sudan’s aviation sector is characterized by underdeveloped infrastructure and a historically poor safety record. Incidents involving aircraft are frequent, often attributed to factors such as overloading and adverse weather conditions. In a similar event in 2021, a cargo plane carrying fuel for the World Food Programme crashed near Juba, resulting in five fatalities.
This incident sheds light on the overarching challenges posed by South Sudan’s aviation infrastructure and safety regulations. Air travel in South Sudan has been marred by numerous accidents, often due to technical failures, improper maintenance, or extreme weather conditions. The significant role of foreign workers in the nation’s oil sector underlines the high stakes involved within South Sudan’s extractive industries. The Greater Pioneer Company (GPOC) symbolizes a joint effort among various countries to exploit South Sudan’s oil wealth, crucial for its economic development. However, safety issues and poor infrastructure raise concerns about the welfare of both local citizens and foreign workers engaged in these operations.
In summary, the recent plane crash in South Sudan has resulted in considerable loss, with 20 oil workers confirmed dead and only one survivor. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the cause behind this tragedy, amidst broader safety concerns surrounding the country’s aviation practices. Minister Puot Kang Chol’s expression of condolences reflects the deep sense of loss felt by the nation and the importance of improving aviation safety to prevent future tragedies.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
