JUBA, South Sudan — A chartered aircraft associated with a Chinese oil company met with tragedy on Wednesday when it crashed in a remote region of South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of 20 individuals, officials reported. Fortunately, one passenger managed to survive the incident.

The plane, operated by Greater Pioneer Operating Co., was carrying 21 people, which included two pilots. The flight was taking off from near an oil field located in Unity state, en route to the capital city of South Sudan when the mishap occurred, according to state information minister, Gatwech Bipal.

Reports from local media indicated that the majority of those on board were employees of the oil company. Additionally, Radio Miraya, a station affiliated with the United Nations, mentioned in its report that among the deceased were primarily South Sudanese individuals, along with one Indian and two Chinese nationals. As of now, the authorities have not provided confirmation regarding the identities of those who lost their lives.

“We are deeply saddened,” expressed Puot Kang Chol, South Sudan’s oil minister, while addressing reporters in Nairobi, Kenya, where he was attending peace discussions aimed at addressing the ongoing political turmoil within South Sudan. He confirmed the unfortunate loss of 20 lives as a result of the crash.

The specific cause of the crash remains undetermined at this time. In response to the tragedy, President Salva Kiir has instructed the Transport Ministry to launch a thorough investigation into the incident. He remarked that the impact of the crash resonated not only with the families of the deceased but also with the wider communities, the nation as a whole, and the entire oil sector.

Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has established itself as a significant player in the oil production industry within the region. The nation has been actively working to boost its oil output and exports, although it continues to face ongoing financial challenges affecting the government.