South Sudan Plane Crash: Plane crash claims 20 lives, including Indian national | WATCH

A tragic plane crash in South Sudan has claimed the lives of at least 20 individuals, including an Indian national, as it was taking off from an oil field en route to the capital, Juba. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the young nation in terms of aviation safety.

Details of the Crash

The small aircraft, chartered by Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), had 21 people on board, including two pilots. According to Gatwech Bipal, the Unity State information minister, the plane went down approximately 500 meters from the airport shortly after takeoff. Currently, only one survivor, a South Sudanese engineer, has been reported and is receiving treatment at Bentiu State Hospital.

Short video clip showing the plane that crashed on Wednesday afternoon in South Sudan’s Unity State, killing at least 20 people-mostly engineers. Only one person is said to have survived, according to the government. #SSOX pic.twitter.com/PccN3YUvAf

— Woja Emmanuel (@emmanuel_woja) January 29, 2025

Victims and Background

Among the deceased are 16 South Sudanese employees of GPOC, along with two Chinese nationals and one Indian. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed. Local authorities confirmed that the flight was carrying oil workers when it met with disaster near the oil-rich Unity state.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

While the cause of the crash remains unclear, there are concerns regarding the reliability of South Sudan's transport infrastructure. The country has experienced multiple air accidents in recent years, often attributed to overloading or poor weather conditions. In response to this tragedy, local officials have promised a thorough investigation into the incident.

A History of Aviation Accidents

South Sudan has a troubling history of aviation incidents, with previous crashes resulting in significant fatalities. In 2015, an Antonov plane crash in Juba killed 36 people. The lack of reliable transport options continues to pose risks for both local and international flights.This latest crash serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by South Sudan as it strives to improve its aviation safety standards while managing its oil production and exports amid ongoing economic difficulties.