Kakuwa Community Mourns Victims of Luri Plane Crash, Calls for Investigation

(JUBA) -The Kakuwa Community in South Sudan has expressed deep sorrow following the deadly plane crash in Luri involving a CityLink Africa Airways aircraft, which claimed the lives of all passengers and crew on board.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Chairperson on Monday, community leaders said they received the news with “profound shock and a heavy heart,” confirming that the aircraft, traveling from Yei to Juba, crashed earlier that morning. The tragedy resulted in the loss of 14 passengers and the pilot.

The community described the incident as a devastating loss not only to the affected families but also to the wider Kakuwa population across Yei River, Morobo, and Lainya counties, as well as the country at large.

“The Kakuwa Community stands in deep mourning alongside the families, friends, and loved ones of those who perished in this horrific accident,” the statement read. “This tragedy has cast a dark cloud over our community and robbed families of their cherished members.”

Leaders extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, particularly those in Yei, Central Equatoria State, and also expressed sympathy to the management and staff of CityLink Aviation Company Limited during what they described as an incredibly difficult time.

They called on community members to remain united in supporting those affected by the tragedy, urging collective compassion and solidarity in the face of the loss.

The Kakuwa Community also appealed to aviation and government authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

“May Almighty God grant the bereaved families the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement concluded.

The fatal crash, which occurred near Luri, has prompted ongoing investigations, with authorities yet to determine the exact cause.