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GUMURUK - 8 Sep 2020

Boy killed by plane's propeller in Greater Pibor

A 12-year-old boy was killed after he was allegedly hit by a propeller of a chartered plane at an airstrip in the town of Gumuruk of Greater Pibor Administrative Area on Friday afternoon. 

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Joshua Konyi, the area’s chief administrator, said Friday’s incident occurred as the Aerosud Aviation plane delivered goods to the Gumuruk area.

“After the plane landed, one of the propellers was left by the pilot operational. So, as the goods were being offloaded, a boy came around the plane to watch. Unfortunately, he was hit by the propeller and died on the spot,” he said.

The government official pointed out that they have engaged the airline authorities so that blood compensation is paid to the deceased family.

“The plane was immediately freed to return to Juba on Saturday. Now, we are engaging the airline company so that the aggrieved family is compensated,” he said. 

For his part, James Ngandong, the aviation director in the area, confirmed the incident, saying talks are ongoing to resolve the tension. 

 Achuil Banggol, the airline’s manager, said they had agreed with local authorities to resolve the issue outside the court. The airline official blamed the incident on negligence. 

“Mistakes were that the deceased came close to the plane while the police did not control him. Also, our pilot did not take extra precautionary measures,” he admitted.