At least 17 people killed in a plane crash near capital of South Sudan: Report

At least 17 people have reportedly been killed after a cargo plane crashed shortly after taking off from an airport in the capital city of South Sudan.

The deadly incident occurred near Hai Referendum residential area on Saturday morning, minutes after the ill-fated plane, belonging to South West Aviation, departed from Juba International Airport, China’s Xinhua News Agency reported.

The report, citing Joseph Mayom, assistant professor at Upper Nile University, further said that only a passenger survived the crash and was rushed to hospital in critical condition.

“According to what I have witnessed, one person was rescued after screaming in pain and was immediately taken to the hospital. We have counted 15 people and two crew members, bringing the total to 17,” Mayom told Xinhua.