This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
On August 24, 2020, a devastating cargo plane crash occurred near Juba, the capital of South Sudan, claiming the lives of eight United Nations workers.
The plane, an Antonov 36, was chartered by Opportunity Bank to carry salaries for World Food Programme staff in Wau, the capital of Western Bahr El-Ghazal state.
According to President Salva Kiir, the crash happened shortly after take-off from South Sudan's Juba International Airport.
Four of the deceased were South Sudanese, two were from Tajikistan, and one was from Ukraine, as confirmed by President Kiir in a condolence message.
The sole survivor is receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
President Kiir expressed his condolences, stating, "We are all deeply saddened and equally distressed for the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident."
South Sudan's Transport Minister, Madut Biar Yel, revealed that a committee has been established to investigate the incident.
Minister Yel also disclosed that the plane was carrying $35,000 (approximately Sh3.78 million), which was lost in the crash.
He told the BBC's Nichola Mandil, "I have been told the figure was $35,000. This is the money lost as the plane crashed and burnt to ashes."
