A plane crash in northern South Sudan has claimed the lives of at least 20 people, according to Unity State’s Minister for Information on Wednesday.

The aircraft went down near the oil fields in Unity State at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time (0830 GMT), shortly after departing for the capital, Juba.

“The plane crashed 500 meters from the airport. There were 21 people on board, and so far, only one survivor has been found,” Gatwech Bipal Both told AFP via phone.

The aircraft, chartered by the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) and operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company, was on a routine mission to the area.

“The state government is deeply saddened by this tragedy,” he said, adding that an investigation would be conducted.

“While many suspect a mechanical failure, the exact cause remains unknown,” he noted.

South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, continues to struggle with economic and political instability. The country’s transport infrastructure is unreliable, and plane crashes are often attributed to overloading and poor weather conditions.