Tragic Plane Crash Claims 20 Lives in South Sudan, One Survivor Found

Sat Jan 03 2026 02:17:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating plane accident in South Sudan has resulted in 20 fatalities, including five foreign nationals, with a lone survivor discovered.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a plane carrying oil workers from the Greater Pioneer Company (GPOC) crashed just three minutes after departing from oil fields in Unity State, headed for the capital, Juba. Reports indicate that the flight, operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company, faced an unseen tragedy, leading to the loss of 20 lives, including individuals from China, India, Uganda, and South Sudan. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and the country's struggling aviation infrastructure poses ongoing safety concerns.

The incident is a stark reminder of the aviation risks prevalent in South Sudan, where air accidents are all too common due to factors like vehicle overloading and adverse weather. The government has extended condolences to the families of the victims, stressing their commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this heart-wrenching event.

Authorities have not yet released any further details regarding the investigation, but this crash underscores the urgent need for improvements in the region’s aviation standards. The aviation accidents in South Sudan reflect the dire infrastructure situation, as similar incidents have occurred in the past, including a 2021 crash that claimed five lives when a cargo plane went down near Juba.

As the nation mourns the loss, the focus remains on finding answers and ensuring better safety measures in the future.