Cargo plane crashes in Unity state, one killed
February 17, 2014 (BENTIU) – A crew member was killed and three others injured on Monday when a cargo plane carrying relief supplies crashed in Bentiu, South Sudan’s Unity state capital.
“The wing of the plane collided with two vehicles parked on the runway, causing a fire to break out. One crew member from the charter company was killed and three were injured”, IOM said in a release.
“The crew members have been evacuated by UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) to Juba”, it added.
The operation was part of IOM’s ongoing effort to deliver aid to displaced persons in parts of South Sudan most affected by the mid-December outbreak of violence in the country.
The flights carry water, hygiene and sanitation equipment, medicine, shelter materials and relief supplies, including blankets, kitchen sets, soap, buckets and mosquito nets, which are distributed to people most affected by fighting in Upper Nile, Jonglei and Unity states.
“We are very saddened by this tragic accident”, said David Derthick, the IOM’s chief of mission in South Sudan, adding that, “The members of the air crew have been vital in helping aid to reach some of South Sudan’s most vulnerable people.”
The country’s military were unable to provide any further details on the plane mishap when contacted on Tuesday.
(ST)