South Sudan military plane crash leaves 4 injured

Juba,

A military plane crash in South Sudan’s Lakes State capital on Sunday has left four people injured, according to the Rumbek aviation authority. 

Speaking to The EastAfrican on Monday, Rumbek Airport Manager Achuil Marop said a military chopper carrying 14 passengers crash-landed at Rumbek Airport at about noon.

“[The pilot of] military helicopter, MI-17, carrying the body of veteran politician Gabriel Matur who died in Juba last week, lost control while landing at Rumbek Airport. [It had] 18 people including crew members (14 passengers and four crew members). [They] all survived but four people sustained injuries," said Achil.

“Those who were injured are being treated at Rumbek Hospital. We have reported the occurrence to the Juba military headquarters. It will be investigated."

However, Achuil’s first past statement to Radio Tamuzuj said 11 people were injured.

Past incidents

In August last year, President Salva Kiir ordered his country's aviation authorities to promptly investigate a plane crash that left eight people dead, according to South Sudan’s Red Cross.

The order came after a chartered plane belonging to the South West Aviation Company crashed shortly after taking off from Juba International Airport.

Last July, a South Link aircraft crashed in the defunct Fangak State in Greater Jonglei State while transporting humanitarians. There was no death.

In September 2018, South West Aviation Company’s plane crashed in Yirol Town of Lakes State killing over 20 people including the Bishop and other government officials.