A Kenyan man tragically lost his life after a cargo plane delivering food to Leer county crashed, killing all three people on board. A plane has crashed near Leer county in South Sudan. Photo: Radio Tamazuj. Source: Facebook The flight, which was carrying food for communities affected by severe flooding, crashed in Rupchier Boma, Guat Payam, on Tuesday, November 25. The acting commissioner of Leer county, Kueth Latjor, explained that the aircraft, identified as Charter Flight 114, had been hired to transport food supplies from Juba to assist flood‑affected communities.
Who caused the South Sudan plane crash? According to local authorities, the victims were nationals of Ukraine, South Sudan, and Kenya. Latjor told a local radio station that two bodies were recovered from the wreckage—a Ukrainian pilot and a South Sudanese engineer—while the body of the Kenyan crew member had not been found as of Tuesday evening. The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) spokesperson, David Loputu, confirmed the fatalities, noting that the plane departed from Juba, encountered difficulties while approaching the Leer airstrip, and crashed at about 08.30am local time. In a statement, the authority extended its condolences to the families, colleagues, and organisations affected by the tragedy. “SSCAA extends its deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, and organisations affected by this tragic incident,” it said. The SSCAA added that an investigation team has been dispatched to determine the cause of the accident. The aircraft was operated by Nari Air, which said it provides charter services for cargo and passengers in South Sudan.
A Kenyan man is among three crew members who perished in a plane crash. Photo: South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority. Source: Facebook How did citizens react to South Sudan’s plane crash? Marko Jiwah Puot “May their innocent souls rest in eternal peace, but they will be remembered because they lost their dear lives while serving the innocent populations.” Abugor Osman Abugor “May their innocent souls rest in peace, and condolences to their beloved family.” Wol Kur Wol “We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash in Leer county that claimed the lives of three crew members delivering humanitarian aid. Their sacrifice in service of others will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, colleagues, and all affected by this loss.” Justin Kwaje David “So sad, that plane even looks old. I don’t know why they still keep on using old cargo planes. It’s really a public safety concern!” Onebody Quote “This is because South Sudan is using planes that are older than the SPLA wars of 1983. This is sad! We must start making our own planes.”
By Nancy Odindo
