A tragic air crash in South Sudan has resulted in the loss of most of the passengers and crew on board. Radio Miraya, run by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), reported that the plane was flying from an oilfield in the north before crashing, killing at least 18 people.
The aircraft had 21 people on board, including passengers and crew members, ongoing and only three survivors have been confirmed. Their current state is not known as the government continues to send medical teams and gather more information.
No Official Statement Yet
South Sudan’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, has not spoken about the tragedy as of yet, but the authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings point to possible technical issues, although officials have taken into consideration other factors as well.
Problematic Aviation History of South Sudan
This is the latest incident of what threatens to become a staple of calamities in war-torn South Sudan; poor infrastructure and old aircraft have mainly kept a steady stream of dangers at bay.
The country has experienced numerous fatal crashes in recent years:
September 2018: A passenger plane traveling from Juba to Yirol crashed, killing at least 19 people.
November 2015: A Russian-built cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Juba International Airport, claiming dozens of lives.
The authorities gave assurance that an official statement will be released once more details have emerged from the on-going investigation.
More details awaited…!!!