The information minister told AP that 17 people died in the plane crash and 2 were missing, while 3 survived and were sent to a hospital. According to the Aguek, one of the survivors was an Italian doctor in critical condition and was undergoing surgery in Yirol hospital.
He added that the Anglican Bishop of Yirol, Simon Adut, was confirmed among the dead.
UPDATE: Here is a wreckage of an aircraft that plunged into Yirol River in Lakes state of #SouthSudan killing scores. Among the dead is an #Italian doctor and the Bishop of Yirol @unmissmedia @UNRIC_Italia @shiine2054 @IreneLasu @SebitWilliamKer @GShadar pic.twitter.com/OM41OFVI4n
— Radio Miraya (@RadioMiraya) September 9, 2018
The cause of the crash is currently unknown.
The city of Yirol is located in the central part of South Sudan, which declared independence in 2011 and has been engulfed in civil war since 2013.