BENTIU – Conflicting studies have emerged over the variety of casualties from Wednesday’s aircraft crash in South Sudan’s Unity State, with some media retailers claiming 20 folks have been killed. However, official data verify that the precise dying toll stands at 18, with one survivor.
The Beech 1900D plane (5X-RHB) was carrying oil staff from the Unity oilfields in Rubkona County to Juba when it crashed at round 10:30 a.m. native time. The influence killed virtually everybody on board, prompting widespread shock and mourning.
Local authorities, together with Unity State’s minister of data Gatwech Bipal Both, have confirmed that 17 of the victims have been South Sudanese nationals, whereas one was a Chinese nationwide.
The sole survivor, recognized as GPOC building employee Maker Emmanuel Makoi, was rescued and is receiving medical therapy within the capital Juba. The our bodies of the survivors have additionally been airlifted to Juba.
Why the conflicting studies?
The flight manifest listed 19 passengers, however two people, James Dak Chap and Yohannes Kur, missed the flight and didn’t board. This meant the plane took off with 17 passengers and two crew members, bringing the whole variety of folks on board to 19.
![James Dak Chap (right) and Yohannes Kur Koy. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GieG361bUAAJWhh.jpg?resize=960%2C481&ssl=1)
When the crash occurred, 18 folks have been confirmed lifeless, whereas one survived. Despite this, some studies continued to quote an outdated determine of 20 casualties, partly as a result of preliminary confusion in regards to the injured victims and the evolving nature of the response.
South Sudanese authorities have urged media retailers to confirm data earlier than publication to keep away from spreading misinformation, which may trigger pointless misery to the households of these affected.
![Flight Manifest of the plane. [List obtained by Sudans Post]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WhatsApp-Image-2025-01-29-at-12.49.26-PM.jpeg?resize=589%2C1020&ssl=1)
Government response
President Salva Kiir has ordered an investigation into the reason for the crash, tasking aviation authorities with conducting an intensive probe.
“In the wake of this tragic incident, I have instructed the Ministry of Transport and all relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation to determine the cause of the crash and provide answers to the grieving families,” Kiir mentioned in an announcement yesterday.
The incident has raised renewed considerations over aviation security in South Sudan, a rustic that has seen frequent air accidents attributed to poor infrastructure, restricted plane upkeep, and weak regulatory enforcement.
Authorities are anticipated to launch a last report as soon as investigations conclude, and officers have assured the general public that additional updates shall be offered to make clear the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In August final 12 months, member of parliament Reath Muoch, called for an urgent parliamentary inquiry into deadly aircraft crashes.
The name got here after three folks have been killed and two others injured when a UN humanitarian aircraft crashed at Peiri airstrip in Uror County, Jonglei State.
The parliamentarian demanded that the transport minister and the aviation authority clarify the incidents.