JUBA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has ordered an investigation into a plane crash Wednesday morning that killed 20 people, including foreign nationals, in Unity State.

The small aircraft heading for Juba, the capital, crashed shortly after taking off near an oil field. It was chartered by the Greater Pioneer Operating Company and operated by Light Air Services Aviation Company.

Among the killed were South Sudanese, two Chinese nationals and one Indian.

"In the wake of this tragic incident, I have directed the Ministry of Transport and all relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation to determine the cause of the crash and give answers to the grieving families," Kiir said in a TV address.

The president sent his condolences to the bereaved families and his sympathies to all those affected by the tragedy.

"Let us come together as a nation to support the grieving families and honor the memory of those we have lost in this tragedy," he said, adding that the deceased were dedicated to the progress of South Sudan and the country will feel their loss.

Twenty-one people were on the plane. The lone survivor, whose nationality has yet to be determined, is in critical condition, Unity State Minister of Information and Communication Gatwech Bipal said. Enditem

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