Former Access Radio staff member laid to rest months after fatal Luri plane crash

(YEI RIVER COUNTY)-Former Access Radio staff member late Vivian Nandege, one of the 14 people killed in the Luri plane crash in April, was laid to rest Thursday in Kanjoro Residential Area after forensic DNA testing confirmed her identity.

Her burial brought to an end months of uncertainty for her family, who had been unable to hold funeral rites while authorities carried out DNA identification of victims whose bodies were badly damaged in the crash.

Thousands of mourners, including family members, government officials, civil society representatives, religious leaders and community members, gathered to pay their final respects.

Nandege’s remains were released to her family after forensic experts in Juba completed the identification process.

Relatives and friends described her as a dedicated media professional and remembered her contributions during her time at Access Radio. They also extended condolences to the families of the other victims who died in the crash.

The CityLink Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan crashed in the Luri area, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southwest of Juba, on April 27 while flying from Yei to the capital. The aircraft was carrying 13 passengers and a pilot, all of whom were killed.

The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority said preliminary findings suggested poor weather and low visibility may have contributed to the crash, although investigations remain ongoing.

Following the accident, authorities ordered DNA testing to identify the victims before releasing their remains to relatives. In June, officials confirmed that DNA analysis had identified 10 of the 14 victims, allowing families to begin burial arrangements.

Nandege’s funeral is among the latest held for victims of one of South Sudan’s deadliest aviation accidents this year.