South Sudan minister regrets plane crash in Abyei

February 9, 2022 (JUBA) – A South Sudanese minister has described as “unfortunate” the crash of a plane that was delivering examination papers to Abyei region on Tuesday.

According to South Sudan’s General Education and Instructions minister, Awut Deng Acuil, the plane crashed while attempting to land at a local airstrip.

“It is unfortunate the plane crashed. It was delivering examination papers. It went to  Ajuongthok and Bentiu before going to Agok in Abyei where we received reports of a crash. It was on the way to Rumbek from Abyei [but] unfortunately, it crashed while attempting to land”, she told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.

Acuil, however, said details concerning the crash were still scanty.

“I have details of the report of the cause of the crash. It was delivering exam papers, so wait for the reports”, she added.

Kuol Diem Kuol, the chief administrator of Abyei area also confirmed the incident.

The top area official said the pilot had missed the runway while attempting to land, causing crash landing of the plane carrying 12 passengers and examination papers. None of the passengers died. All survived the incident although five people sustained injuries were being attended at the local hospital.

The latest incident adds to several planes which have crashed in South Sudan.

In November last year, five peopled died when a cargo plane crashed in Upper Nile state’s Maban area.

In March 2020, a cargo plane crashed north-east of Jonglei state killing 10 people.

(ST)