A plane carrying 21 passengers and crew in South Sudan’s Unity State crashed on Wednesday, killing 18 people, according to a United Nations’ Radio Miraya report.
The Recent Aviation Accidents in South Sudan
The plane had departed from an oilfield in the northern state when the crash happened, Radio Miraya said (this news media is being run by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan —UNMISS). Af the time of filing this report, no more details have been given and Information Minister Michael Makuei did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
South Sudan’s Troubling Aviation Safety Record
South Sudan’s aviation safety record has raised serious concerns in recent years. Several air crashes have occurred in the war-torn country, resulting in significant loss of life. In September 2018, at least 19 people died when a small aircraft carrying passengers from the capital Juba to the city of Yirol crashed.
Causes of Plane Crashes in South Sudan
In 2015, dozens of people were killed when a Russian-built cargo plane with passengers on board crashed after taking off from the airport in the capital city of Juba. The causes of these crashes are often attributed to a combination of factors, including poor aviation safety standards, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of regulation.
Conclusion
The latest plane crash in South Sudan’s Unity State has shown the urgent need for improved aviation safety measures in the country. As the investigation into the crash continues, it is essential to address the underlying issues contributing to these tragic incidents.
