A tragic plane crash in South Sudan claimed the lives of at least 18 people on Wednesday, according to a UN-backed radio station.
The aircraft, which had 21 people on board, including crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Unity Oil Field, Radio Miraya reported. Among the deceased were the pilot and co-pilot, while three survivors are in critical condition. State Information Minister Gatwech Bipal confirmed that among the fatalities, 17 were South Sudanese and two were Chinese nationals. The two survivors, a South Sudanese and an Indian national, suffered severe injuries and were rushed to a hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Earlier, Unity State’s Information and Communication Minister, Gatwech Bipal, stated that the aircraft was initially believed to have carried 20 passengers but later confirmed the total number was 21. The flight was en route to the capital, Juba, before the crash occurred.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.