At least 14 people have died after a plane crashed near Juba in a tragic aviation incident. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, killing all on board.
The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the crash involved a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by CityLink Aviatiokn Ltd. The flight departed Yei heading to Juba International Airport.
Authorities said communication with the aircraft was lost minutes after departure. The plane later crashed about 20 kilometres southwest of Juba.
The aircraft, registration 5Y-NOK, carried 13 passengers and one pilot. Among those on board were two Kenyan nationals and 12 South Sudanese nationals. Officials confirmed that there were no survivors.
Preliminary findings point to bad weather as a possible cause of the crash. Poor visibility may have affected the aircraft shortly after takeoff.
Emergency teams have been deployed to the crash site to begin investigations and recovery operations. Officials expect further details once technical assessments are completed.
The SSCAA has expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Authorities say they will release more information as investigations continue.
