A fatal air crash involving a Kenyan-registered aircraft has claimed the lives of 14 people, including two Kenyan nationals, after a small passenger plane went down in the Luri area near Juba.
In a statement, the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority said the aircraft crashed approximately 20 kilometres southwest of the capital shortly after losing contact with air traffic control.
The plane, identified as a Cessna 208 Caravan with registration 5Y-NOK, was operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd.
“The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority confirms that an aircraft crash occurred approximately 20km southwest of Juba today,” the statement read. “The aircraft involved was a Cessna 208 Caravan, registration 5Y-NOK, operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd.”
According to the aviation authority, the flight had departed Yei at 9:15 a.m. en route to Juba International Airport but lost communication at around 9:43 a.m.
Officials confirmed that 13 passengers and one pilot were on board at the time of the crash.
“The aircraft departed Yei en route to Juba International Airport at 09:15 AM and lost communication at 09:43 AM,” the authority stated. “There were 13 passengers and one pilot on board.”
Additional reports indicate the aircraft crashed in Luri after striking a hillock before bursting into flames, killing all on board.
Authorities confirmed that among the victims were two Kenyans, with the rest being South Sudanese nationals.
“Unfortunately, there were no survivors,” the statement added, confirming the scale of the tragedy.
Local reports also suggest that a former Minister of Trade in Central Equatoria State was among those on board, although official confirmation of all victims is still pending.
Preliminary findings suggest that adverse weather conditions, particularly poor visibility, may have contributed to the crash. However, investigators have cautioned that a full inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft may have crashed due to adverse weather conditions, particularly low visibility,” SSCAA noted.
Emergency response teams have since been dispatched to the crash site to support recovery efforts and gather critical evidence.
The aviation authority also extended condolences to the families affected, including those in Kenya, promising further updates as investigations continue.
“The Authority extends its deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those affected by this tragic incident,” the statement said.