At Least 20 Killed in South Sudan Plane Crash, Including Two Chinese Nationals

Plane Crashed Photo: Sudan Tribune

January 29, 2025 Hour: 3:04 pm

At least 20 people, including two Chinese nationals, were killed in a plane crash in South Sudan on Wednesday, with only one survivor, after the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from an oilfield in Unity State en route to the capital, Juba, multiple sources confirmed.

The victims were employees of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), the oil firm managing operations at the field, as well as two crew members, according to Unity State’s Minister of Information, Gatwich Pipal Both.

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir later issued a statement expressing condolences and recognizing the victims for their contributions to the country’s development.

“With deep sorrow and great regret, I have learned of the tragic air accident that occurred today in Unity State, Bentiu. This heartbreaking incident has claimed the lives of 20 innocent souls, with only one survivor,” Kiir stated, offering his condolences to the bereaved families.

@SouthSudanGov President Salva Kiir’s Message to the World on Unity State Plane Crash

In a somber address, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan shared his grief with the world following the tragic plane crash in Unity State earlier today. “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy… pic.twitter.com/WjBo2yCki0
— Whisper Eye (@whispereyenews) January 29, 2025

In response to the crash, Kiir announced that he had instructed the Ministry of Transport and all relevant authorities to “conduct a swift and thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and provide answers to the grieving families.”

The crash occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time (08:00 GMT) near Rubkona Airport in Unity State, just minutes after the aircraft took off. The plane was transporting oil company employees from the western oilfield in South Sudan to Juba for their scheduled leave, GPOC sources told EFE.

The aircraft went down within the oilfield area, but the cause of the crash remains unknown.

A History of Deadly Air Accidents in South Sudan

South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, suffers from poor transport infrastructure, and aviation accidents are often attributed to overloading and adverse weather conditions.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred in September 2018 when a commercial plane crashed into a river while attempting to land at Yirol Airport, killing 20 of the 22 passengers on board.

Another major crash in 2015 claimed 36 lives when a cargo plane went down shortly after taking off from Juba International Airport.