This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
On August 24, 2020, a devastating plane crash occurred near Juba, the capital of South Sudan, claiming the lives of eight people and leaving one survivor.
The plane, an Antonov 36, was chartered by Opportunity Bank to transport salaries for World Food Programme (WFP) staff in Wau, the capital of Western Bahr El-Ghazal state.
According to President Salva Kiir, four of the deceased were South Sudanese, two were from Tajikistan, and one was from Ukraine.
President Kiir expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, stating, "We are all deeply saddened and equally distressed for the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident."
The plane crashed shortly after take-off from Juba International Airport, resulting in the loss of $35,000 in salaries.
South Sudan's Transport Minister, Madut Biar Yel, confirmed the incident and announced the establishment of a committee to investigate the cause of the crash.
