One survivor as 20 killed in South Sudan plane crash

JUBA, South Sudan

Only one person has survived a plane crash in South Sudan, which killed 20 oil workers who were on board, the government said.

The plane, which was heading to the capital, Juba, crashed three minutes after take-near the oil fields in Unity State on Wednesday morning, said Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol.

Among the victims are five foreign nationals: two Chinese, one Indian, and two Ugandan crew members. The 15 other victims were all South Sudanese.

The cause of the crash has not been determined, but authorities said they are investigating.

"Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those on board during this incredibly difficult time," said Chol.

The oil workers, who were all men, worked for the Greater Pioneer Company (GPOC) and the plane was operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company.

GPOC is a joint venture that includes state-owned oil companies from India, China, Malaysia, and South Sudan.

It was meant to be a routine exploration mission.

South Sudan's aviation infrastructure is not well developed, and the country has a poor safety record.

Air accidents are common, and frequently blamed on overloading of the aircraft or the weather conditions.

In 2021, five people were killed after a cargo plane carrying fuel for the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) crashed near Juba.