At least 18 killed after a small plane crashes in a remote part of South Sudan
4 min readAt least 18 people were killed on Wednesday when a small plane crashed in a remote area of South Sudan. The plane, chartered by the Chinese oil company Greater Pioneer Operating Co., had 21 people on board, including two pilots. The crash occurred near an oil field in the Unity state, which is located in the oil-rich region of the country, as the aircraft was attempting to take off toward Juba, the South Sudanese capital, according to Gatwech Bipal, the minister of information for Unity state.
Local media outlets reported that the plane was transporting oil workers at the time of the crash. The United Nations-affiliated Radio Miraya, referencing the flight manifest, stated that the victims were primarily South Sudanese nationals, though the group also included one Indian citizen and two Chinese nationals. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, and the cause of the crash remains unclear.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, is one of the largest oil producers in Africa, and the country’s economy heavily relies on its oil sector. The crash occurred in a part of the country that is home to some of South Sudan’s most significant oil fields, which have been a key focus of the nation’s economic development. South Sudan has been working to increase oil production and exports in order to address ongoing financial difficulties. Despite these efforts, the country continues to struggle with cash flow issues, and the crash is a tragic reminder of the dangerous conditions in the region.
Authorities are still investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash, but it is not the first aviation tragedy in South Sudan. The country has faced a number of air crashes in recent years, largely due to the country’s challenging terrain, inadequate infrastructure, and the general instability that continues to affect many parts of the nation. The remote location of the crash site makes it difficult for emergency response teams to quickly reach the area, further complicating the response efforts.
South Sudan’s aviation sector, which includes both commercial and charter flights, has long faced criticism for safety concerns. In a country that has faced ongoing conflict and instability since its independence, air travel is often seen as a vital means of transportation, particularly in remote areas that are difficult to access by road. However, the lack of proper infrastructure, including functioning airports and trained personnel, continues to raise questions about the safety of air travel in the country.
This crash also highlights the dangers faced by foreign workers in South Sudan’s oil industry, particularly those working in remote areas. Despite efforts to improve security and working conditions in the country, foreign nationals remain vulnerable to risks, including the possibility of such accidents. Many oil companies have made substantial investments in the region, but the country’s volatile security situation and the challenges associated with operating in such a fragile state continue to pose significant risks.
The South Sudanese government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims, and an investigation into the crash is underway. The authorities are working closely with the relevant agencies to determine what led to the tragedy, and any steps that can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the investigation continues, questions surrounding the safety of air travel in South Sudan, particularly in remote areas, are likely to remain a point of concern.
As South Sudan struggles to address these ongoing challenges, the international community may be called upon to provide additional support in improving safety standards and addressing infrastructure gaps. The hope is that, over time, South Sudan can work toward a safer, more stable future, though significant hurdles remain.
Source: African News Agency
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