By Chol D. Johnson
Fifteen people have been killed in a plane crash that occurred in Luri Payam, just a few kilometers away from the city.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) confirmed the incident.
The aviation authority cited that the aircraft, a Cessna 208 Caravan with registration SY-NOK, operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd, went down earlier in the day after losing communication shortly after departure.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) confirmed that an aircraft crash occurred approximately 20km southwest of Juba on Monday.
“[The] South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) confirms that an aircraft crash occurred approximately 20km southwest of Juba today,” according to the press statement.
According to the SSCAA press statement, the aircraft involved was a Cessna 208 Caravan, registration SY-NOK, operated by CityLink Aviation.
“The aircraft involved was a Cessna 208 Caravan, registration SY-NOK, operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd,” according to the statement.
The press stated that the aircraft departed Yei en route to Juba International Airport at 09:15 AM and lost communication at 09:43 AM.
According to the press, there were 13 passengers and one pilot (captain) on board, including two Kenyan nationals and 12 South Sudanese nationals, and there were no survivors.
“There were 13 passengers and 1 pilot (captain) on board (POB), two Kenyan nationals and 12 South Sudanese nationals. Unfortunately, there were no survivors,” the press stated.
The press further highlighted that preliminary reports indicate the aircraft may have crashed due to adverse weather conditions, particularly low visibility.
According to the press, the SSCAA response team has been dispatched to the site to gather information and support emergency and recovery efforts.
“The Authority extends its deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those affected by this tragic incident,” the SSCAA press expressed.
The SSCAA press added that further details will be provided on the verification of the aircraft crash.
“Further updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available,” the press added.
Meanwhile, efforts by the No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper to reach the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) for further verification were unsuccessful.
In January 2025, more than 20 people were killed when a Beechcraft 1900D crashed shortly after takeoff in Unity State while en route to Juba, with investigators pointing to a possible technical failure.
In 2018, 20 people died when a small aircraft crashed into Lake Yirol amid heavy fog and poor visibility.
One of the deadliest incidents in the country occurred in 2015, when an overloaded cargo aircraft crashed near Juba, killing at least 37 people.
The latest crash renews urgent calls for stronger aviation safety oversight, improved weather forecasting systems, and stricter compliance with international flight standards in South Sudan.