Only one person survived a plane crash in southern Sudan, which killed 20 oil workers on board, the government said.
The plane, which headed to the capital, Juba, crashed three minutes after taking oil field oil in Unity State on Wednesday morning, said Puot Kang Chol oil minister.
Among the victims are five foreign nationals: two Chinese, one Indian and two members of the Uganda crew. All 15 other victims were all southern Sudan.
The cause of the collision was not determined, but the authorities said they were investigating.
“Our thoughts and condolences come out to families and loved ones on board during this incredibly difficult time,” Chol said.
The oil workers, who were all men, worked for a larger Pioneer (GPOC) company, and the plane was driven by Aviation Company Light Air Services.
GPOC is a common investment that includes oil companies in a country from India, China, Malaysia and South Sudan.
It was supposed to be a routine research mission.
Aviation infrastructure in southern Sudan is not well developed and the country has a bad safety record.
Air accidents are common and often blame for aircraft overloading or weather conditions.
In 2021, five people were killed after a cargo plane carried by the UN World Food (WFP) Food Follower was crashed near Juba.
