A devastating plane crash in South Sudan resulted in the deaths of 20 oil workers, leaving only one survivor. The tragedy happened shortly after the plane took off from an oilfield airstrip in Unity State on January 29, 2025, as it was headed to the capital, Juba.
A Beechcraft 1900D, run by Light Air Services for the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), tragically crashed about three minutes after takeoff, only 500 meters from the airport. Among those who lost their lives were five foreign nationals: two Chinese, one Indian, and two Ugandan crew members. The other victims were South Sudanese citizens.
Gatwech Bipal, the information minister of Unity State, confirmed the death toll, stating that the only survivor, a South Sudanese engineer, is in critical condition at a local hospital. “Twenty are confirmed dead, and one survived,” Bipal announced, adding that an investigation into the crash’s cause is ongoing.
President Salva Kiir extended his heartfelt condolences to the families impacted by this tragedy. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones in this difficult time,” he affirmed.
Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive investigation: “We need to understand the causes of this tragic accident to prevent it from happening again.”
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety in South Sudan, a country that has experienced numerous fatal air crashes over the past few years. These repeated tragedies emphasize the critical need for improvements in aviation standards and regulations within the nation.
