- A small passenger plane crashed near South Sudan’s capital, Juba, killing all 14 people on board
- The aircraft lost contact with air control shortly after taking off from Yei
- Authorities suspect poor weather may have contributed to the accident
- Two Kenyans were among the victims, alongside 12 South Sudanese nationals and the pilot
- Investigations have been launched as families await official confirmation
A tragic air accident has left South Sudan in mourning after a light aircraft went down near Juba. The plane was carrying passengers on a routine domestic trip when it suddenly disappeared from radar. Rescue teams were later sent to the crash site located outside the capital. Authorities confirmed that there were no survivors. The incident has raised fresh concerns over domestic aviation safety in the country.
The aircraft, identified as a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd, had departed Yei in the morning hours. It took off at around 9:15 am local time. Everything appeared normal at first. However, communication was lost about half an hour into the flight. That was the last time the plane was in contact with air traffic control.
The wreckage was later discovered about 20 kilometres south-west of Juba. Aviation officials confirmed that emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the area. The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority said investigators are now working at the scene. Their goal is to establish what exactly led to the crash.
Early indications point to possible bad weather conditions in the region at the time. Officials mentioned low visibility as a likely factor, although they stressed that nothing has been confirmed yet. The final cause will only be known after a full technical investigation. Authorities have urged patience as experts continue gathering evidence from the site.
Officials confirmed that 14 people were on board the ill-fated flight. The passengers included 12 South Sudanese citizens and two Kenyans. The pilot was also among those who died in the crash. Authorities are now working to identify the victims and notify their families.
Government officials said support teams have been deployed to assist relatives during this difficult moment. Efforts are also ongoing to coordinate with diplomatic missions regarding the Kenyan nationals involved. The crash has left both countries shaken as details continue to emerge.
The aviation authority says a full investigation is underway to determine whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or other factors played a role. Experts are expected to analyse the wreckage and flight data in the coming days. Officials have promised transparency once findings are complete.
For now, the focus remains on recovery efforts and supporting grieving families. The tragedy has once again highlighted the risks linked to regional air travel. As investigators piece together the final moments of the flight, many are left waiting for answers to a heartbreaking loss.
