A small aircraft carrying oil workers in South Sudan's Unity State crashed during takeoff from its oilfield airport on Wednesday, resulting in the tragic loss of 20 lives, according to Gatwech Bipal, the region's information minister.
The plane had departed for Juba, the capital of South Sudan, when the incident occurred. Among the victims were five foreign nationals, including two from the Chinese mainland. Authorities have initiated rescue operations and a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
This unfortunate event has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, especially given the critical role that oil plays in South Sudan's economy. The ongoing rescue efforts aim to recover more details and provide support to the affected families.
Reference(s):
Plane crash in South Sudan kills 20, rescue efforts underway
cgtn.com