A tragic aviation accident has claimed the lives of 14 people after a light aircraft crashed near Juba, authorities confirmed on Monday.
Aircraft Crashes Shortly After Takeoff
According to the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, the aircraft went down approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Juba shortly after departing from Yei.
The plane, identified as a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd, had taken off at 9:15 a.m. local time.
Air traffic control reportedly lost contact with the aircraft about 30 minutes into the flight.
All On Board Killed
Officials confirmed that all 14 people on board—including the pilot—lost their lives in the crash.
The victims included 12 South Sudanese nationals and two Kenyans.
Poor Weather Suspected
Preliminary investigations suggest that poor weather conditions, including low visibility, may have contributed to the crash. However, authorities emphasised that a full investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause.
Investigations Underway
Rescue and investigation teams have been dispatched to the crash site, while officials work to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and notify families of the victims.
The incident adds to growing concerns about aviation safety in the region, particularly for domestic flights operating under challenging weather conditions.
