Plane Carrying Food Aid for Samaritan’s Purse Crashes in South Sudan, All Three Crew Members Killed

A plane delivering food aid for the international charity Samaritan’s Purse crashed in South Sudan’s Unity State on Tuesday, killing all three crew members on board, a senior official from the organisation confirmed.

The aircraft, operated by Nari Air, was transporting two tons of relief supplies from the capital Juba to flood-displaced communities in Unity State, Samaritan’s Purse deputy director in South Sudan, Bikram Rai, told Reuters.

“Our team has reached the crash site, and it is with deep sadness that I share the confirmation that all three crew members have passed away,” Rai said.

The crash occurred around 20 km (12 miles) from Leer Airstrip in Unity State’s oil-rich Leer County, near the Sudan border, at approximately 8 a.m. (0600 GMT).

Nari Air did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and officials have not yet released details about the aircraft’s make and model.

According to its website, Nari Air is based in South Sudan and provides a range of aviation services, including chartered cargo and passenger flights.