JUBA – A cargo plane carrying humanitarian aid crashed in South Sudan on Tuesday morning, killing all three crew members on board. The aircraft was en route to deliver much-needed food supplies to flood victims in the oil-rich Unity State, located in the northern part of the country.
According to Bikram Rai, Deputy Country Director for Samaritan’s Purse in South Sudan, the plane was carrying approximately two tons of food supplies. It had taken off from the capital, Juba, and was headed towards the Leer area when the crash occurred about 20 kilometers from the airstrip.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm all three crew members have perished,” Rai stated.
The aircraft belonged to a local company, Nary Air, which provides cargo and private flight services within South Sudan. As of yet, there has been no official statement from the company. Details regarding the type of aircraft and the cause of the accident remain unknown.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
This tragic incident occurs against a backdrop of recurring humanitarian crises in South Sudan, fueled by both devastating floods and ongoing conflicts. Thousands of displaced people rely heavily on international aid for access to food and medicine. Unity State is particularly vulnerable due to its oil reserves and its border location with Sudan, making it susceptible to security and political tensions.
Humanitarian organizations report that reaching affected areas is challenging due to poor infrastructure. This makes air transport a critical option for delivering aid, but it also increases the risks in a country with limited oversight of aviation safety standards. The crash underscores the dangers faced by those working to provide assistance in the region.
