South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chuol, has provided an update on today’s deadly plane crash and the ongoing investigation into the incident.
A plane crashed in the oil fields of Unity State this morning, shortly after takeoff for the capital, Juba. At least 20 people were killed, with only one confirmed survivor, Minister Puot said in a press conference from Nairobi on Wednesday afternoon.
Pictures shared on social media showed the crumpled aircraft upside down in a field, with debris spread across the area.
The passengers were oil workers from the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), a consortium that includes China National Petroleum Corporation and state-owned Nile Petroleum Corporation.
“We are saddened to report this unfortunate incident involving a Light Air Service plane that tragically crashed just three minutes after takeoff from the Unity oil fields en route to Juba. The aircraft was carrying 19 passengers and two crew members, totaling 21 people on board,” Minister Puot said.
“Among the individuals on board, there were 16 South Sudanese, 2 Chinese nationals, 1 Indian, and two crew members from Uganda. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those on board during this incredibly difficult time, particularly those who have lost their loved ones,” he said.
The survivor, a South Sudanese engineer working at the oil field, has been rushed to Bentiu State Hospital, the minister confirmed.
“We are grateful that God saved one life, by the name Maker, and we pray to Almighty God that he saves his life, now that we are able to communicate with him,” he said.
The minister added that his team and the local authorities in Unity State are working closely to assess the situation and provide emergency assistance to those affected by the deadly incident.
The South Sudanese official confirmed that investigations into the cause of the deadly crash are underway and that the ministry will cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure the incident is thoroughly investigated.
“We will do everything in our power to support those impacted by this tragedy. The company is now working with the staff of the Ministry of Petroleum to identify the families and work with them on what should be done for the families, as well as on preparations for the burial of our beloved people,” he said.
“The company, the Ministry of Petroleum, and the government of South Sudan will work closely with the families until the conclusion of this process,” he added.
South Sudan lacks reliable transportation infrastructure, and air accidents are common, with crashes frequently attributed to overloading or poor weather.
In 2021, five people were killed when a cargo plane carrying fuel for the UN’s World Food Programme crashed near Juba.
Overloading of planes is also common in South Sudan and was believed to have contributed to the 2015 crash of an Antonov plane in Juba that killed 36 people.