Ecumenical Prayer Service for Luri Plane Crash Victims Postponed Pending Identification Process

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) — The planned ecumenical prayer service for victims of the recent Luri plane crash has been postponed, pending the completion of DNA testing and identification of the deceased before a collective memorial can be held.

The prayer service, which had been scheduled for May 9, 2026, was intended to bring together families, church leaders, and the wider community in mourning and solidarity.

However, the Steering Committee organizing the event said the decision to delay was necessary to allow authorities to finalize the identification process, ensuring that victims are accorded proper burials and that families receive confirmed information about their loved ones.

In a formal communication dated May 6 and addressed to the County Commissioner, the committee stated that the service will only take place after forensic procedures are completed.

“The service will be held only after the official completion and confirmation of identification results to ensure proper burial and memorial arrangements,” the statement read.

The committee added that a new date for the interdenominational prayer gathering will be announced through official channels once the identification exercise is concluded.

The ill-fated aircraft, a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd., crashed early this month shortly after departing Yei en route to Juba. All 14 people on board, including the pilot, died.

Preliminary findings suggest that adverse weather conditions, particularly low visibility, may have contributed to the crash.

Among the victims were several individuals travelling on official duties. Recovery efforts have been followed by forensic procedures aimed at accurately identifying the remains, a process that has taken time due to the condition of the victims.

Families of the deceased are being urged to remain in close contact with the Steering Committee, participate in coordination meetings, and contribute to planning for a unified and dignified burial once identifications are confirmed.

The committee expressed regret over the postponement but appealed for patience and understanding from the public.

It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all victims are honored with dignity and that bereaved families are supported during the grieving process.

“We remain committed to dignity, respect, and unity for all bereaved families,” the statement noted, offering prayers for comfort and eternal rest for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.