JUBA – A plane traveling from South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to Lankien airstrip crashed on Tuesday morning after catching fire mid-flight, authorities said.
The aircraft, a small plane registered as T7-BMM and operated by Salam Air, was carrying five passengers. No casualties have been reported, according to eyewitness accounts from Lankien.
Speaking to Sudans Post this afternoon, Managing Director of Juba International Airport, Kur Kuol, confirmed the incident but said details remain scarce.
“Yeah, it’s true. I have that information, but I don’t have the full details yet. The condition of the plane and passengers is not yet known from us,” Kuol said.
“The aircraft took off from Juba at about 7:33 AM and was supposed to land in Lankien by 8:55 AM. There was a fire onboard, but we are waiting for more details from the aviation company before launching an investigation,” he added.
The crash occurred as the plane approached Lankien airstrip in Thon Payam, Yirol County, in Jonglei State.
Salam Air, the company operating the aircraft, has not yet issued a statement regarding the accident. Authorities said they are awaiting further updates from the airline to determine the cause of the crash and to begin an investigation.
No information has been released about the extent of damage to the aircraft or the condition of its passengers beyond initial reports of no injuries
VIaSudans Post]
