Twenty people die in plane crash in Unity State
The light aircraft, registration 5X-RHB, was hired by the GPOC oil firm and had a total of 21 people on board, including two pilots.
By Yien Gattuor
At least 20 people were confirmed dead when a plane carrying oil workers from the oilfield in Unity State crashed on its way to Juba.
The deaths included 15 South Sudanese, two Chinese, one Indian and two Ugandan pilots, according to State Information Minister, Gatwech Bipal.
The state minister said the aircraft with registration 5X-RHB was hired by the GPOC oil firm and had a total of 21 people on board, including two pilots.
“As the government of Unity State we are going to investigate the root cause of the incident that took place and took the lives of 20 people,” he added.
Maker Emmanuel is the only survivor of the plane crash with severe injuries. He was taken to Bentiu Hospital for treatment as authorities planned to refer him to Juba for better treatment.
Meanwhile, Eng. Saleh Akot, the Acting Director of Juba International Airport, confirmed to The City Review that: “The flight departed this morning for Unity State, and while returning to Juba, the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff.”
The victims, who were employees of the GPOC, were reportedly coming for leave.
Several crashes have occurred in South Sudan in recent years. In August 2024, a cargo aircraft caught fire after landing at Pieri Payam in Uror County, Jonglei State. The two crew members on board suffered injuries and were treated at a local clinic.
Last March, a military cargo plane carrying supplies to Yida in the Ruweng Administrative Area crashed at the Yida airstrip. In February 2024, a passenger aircraft operated by Africano Company, which was transporting returnees from the conflict in Sudan, crash-landed at Malakal airport. No injuries were reported.
And in April 2023, a cargo plane carrying passengers crash-landed at Juba International Airport, with all passengers emerging unharmed. That came hot on the heels to the 2021 incident in which a Let L-410 Turbolet, a South Sudan Supreme Airlines flight to the Yuai airstrip, crashed at Pieri. No casualties were reported.
The deadliest crash occurred in August 2020, when a cargo plane crashed into a farm in the Kemeru area shortly after taking off from Juba International Airport. Eight people died and one passenger survived with injuries. South Sudan’s challenging road infrastructure has made air transport a vital lifeline for many, contributing to the high frequency of aviation incidents
Government to investigate cause of crash
Speaking after the fatal plane crash, the national Minister of Petroleum, Pout Kang, stated that the government would investigate the incident.
Kang said government is committed to cooperating with relevant authorities to ensure that the examination is conducted.
He said they were deeply saddened to report the unfortunate incident involving a light air service plane that tragically crashed just three minutes after takeoff from Unity oil Field en route to Juba.
“I am here making a statement after consultation with the leadership of the country, the President, about the incident involving a light air service plane at Unity Oil Field.”
“We are deeply saddened to report this unfortunate incident involving a light air service plane that tragically crashed just three minutes after takeoff from Unity Oil Field en route to Juba,” said Kang.
He said the aircraft carried 19 passengers and two crew members, totaling 21 on board.
“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 a loved one and those who lost life. We are grateful that God has saved one life by the name of Engineer Maker, and we pray to Almighty that he saves his life now that we are able to communicate with him,” he added,
The minister further said they are working closely with local authorities to assess the situation and provide assistance to those affected.
“We are grateful to the people of Unity State for taking it upon themselves to provide the assistance needed. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway and we are fully committed to cooperating with relevant authorities to ensure that the examination is conducted,” Kang asserted.
Condolences, solidarity as country mourns
Meanwhile, condolences continued to pour in as key government officials, led by the country’s President Salva Kiir, mourned the victims.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I learned of the tragic plane crash that occurred earlier today in Unity State, Bentiu. This heartbreaking incident has claimed the lives of 20 innocent souls, with one survivor. Among the victims were Engineers and Technical staff of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), one of our major Joint Operating Oil Companies (JOCs) in the oil sector,” the president said.
““This tragedy deeply affects not only the families of the deceased but also the communities, our nation, and the entire oil industry. These individuals were dedicated to the progress of our Country, and we all feel their loss.”
Kiir instructed the Ministry of Transport and all relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation to determine the cause of the crash and provide answers to the grieving families.
