Gov’t forms committee to probe recent plane crash

JUBA — South Sudan government has formed a seven-member committee to investigate Tuesday cargo plane crash in Kondokoro Island in Juba.

On Tuesday, a cargo plane belonging to Euro Company crashed shortly after takeoff from Juba international airport killing five crew members on board.

The aircraft AN26- flight TR-NGT–belonging to Euro Airlines – was carrying 28 drums of diesel to Maban County, Upper Nile State.

The deceased were two Russian engineers and two Sudanese pilots – and South Sudan who work as an agent.

Speaking to journalists after the cabinet meeting on Friday in Juba, Information Minister, Michael Makuei Lueth said the committee is comprised of experts from air crash investigators.

“The Minister of Transport, Madut Biar has already formed a committee to investigate into the issue and he has been authorized to follow up with its implementation,” Makuei told reporters after the cabinet meeting in Juba on Friday.

Makuei said the cabinet has directed the Minister of Transport, Madut Biar to screen all airline operators in an effort to alleviate the recurrence of plane crashes in the country.

“At the same time he (Minister of Transport, Madut Biar) should make sure that all the planes that are operational in South Sudan are properly checked,” he said.

“Some of these planes are actually not allowed to fly all over the world except in South Sudan and this is very dangers and the Minister of Transport has been directed to make sure that all the planes that are flying here in South Sudan are secure planes and this is for the safety of everybody,” he added.

The government spokesman passed message condolences to the families of deceased persons on passing away of the beloved one in unfortunate planes crash.

This is the second time since last year a plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Juba International Airport.

On 4 November 2015, an Antonov An-12 cargo aircraft crashed near the White Nile shortly after takeoff from Juba International Airport serving Juba, the capital city of South Sudan leaving at least 37 people dead, including the crew of six.

So far, 11 planes have crashed in the country since 2011 – killing 93 people and living 132 injuries and survivors.

In May this year, plane HK 4274, belonging to South Supreme Airlines crashed in Pieri area of Uror County, killing 10 people.

In August 2020, a commercial plane crashed in Kemiru area of Juba, killing seven people shortly after takeoff from Juba International Airport.

Also in September 2018, a chartered Let-410 UVP crashed into Lake Shambe in Yirol, Lakes state, killing 20 people including an Anglican Bishop.