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A tragic plane crash on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, near South Sudan’s Unity State claimed the lives of 20 oil workers, leaving just one survivor. The plane, which was en route to Juba, the country’s capital, crashed shortly after takeoff, just three minutes into its flight. Authorities confirmed that the crash occurred in the vicinity of the oil fields in Unity State, a region known for its significant oil reserves.
Among the deceased were five foreign nationals: two Chinese nationals, one Indian, and two Ugandan crew members. The remaining 15 victims were South Sudanese citizens, all of whom were employed by the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), a consortium comprising state-owned oil companies from India, China, Malaysia, and South Sudan. The flight, operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company, was intended to be a routine exploration mission to inspect oil operations in the region.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, with investigations underway. South Sudan’s Petroleum Minister, Puot Kang Chol, expressed condolences, saying, “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this devastating tragedy.” The minister also noted that the aviation authorities were working swiftly to determine the cause of the incident.
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