20 oil workers and crew die in South Sudan plane crash

The wreckage of a plane that crashed, killing 20 people, at the Unity oilfield airstrip in South Sudan on 29 January (Photo: REUTERS/SCANPIX)

South Sudan authorities are investigating the cause of Wednesday’s plane crash at the country’s Unity oilfield, that claimed the lives of 20 passengers and crew, with one survivor.

Salva Kiir, President of South Sudan, said that among the victims were “engineers and technical staff” of Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), which operates the Unity field.

Declaring his “profound sorrow,” Kiir said he has instructed the Ministry of Transport and all relevant authorities to “conduct a thorough and swift investigation” to determine the cause of the crash.

South Sudan Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol said: “We are deeply saddened to report this unfortunate incident involving a light aircraft that tragically crashed just three minutes after take-off from Unity oilfield on route to Juba.”

In a video broadcast carried on Juba’s Eye Radio, he said the plane was carrying 19 passengers and two crew. One person survived.

The passengers — all understood to be oil workers — included 16 South Sudanese nationals, two from China and one from India. The two crew were from Uganda.

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

Reuters named the survivor as Emmanuel Maker, whom the minister described as an engineer.

The minister, speaking in Nairobi, said he knew “at a personal level” the majority of individuals that died, adding: “I also have relatives there, so I know how difficult and painful it is.”

The ministry is working closely with local authorities and emergency services to assess the situation and provide assistance to those affected.

Kang Chol said an investigation into the cause of crash is underway, with his ministry cooperating with the Ministry of Transport and other authorities “to ensure that a thorough examination is conducted.”

According to the Aviation Safety Network, a service provided by the 80-year-old, US-based Flight Safety Foundation, the aircraft involved in the crash was a Beech 1900D model.

The crashed plane is one of five aircraft operated by Light Air Services in Juba, whose website said the company has been in operation for 13 years.

The company was approached for comment.

GPOC’s shareholders include state-owned NilePet, China National Petroleum Corporation, ONGC Videsh of India and Malaysia’s Petronas, according to the NilePet website.

Source: https://www.upstreamonline.com/safety/20-oil-workers-and-crew-die-in-south-sudan-plane-crash/2-1-1772332