Statement of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to South Sudan, Ellen Margrethe Løj, on the tragic loss of life in Maridi

Statement of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to South Sudan, Ellen Margrethe Løj, on the tragic loss of life in Maridi:

I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life and terrible injuries suffered by scores of people following the explosion of a fuel tanker in Maridi, Western Equatoria, on 16 September 2015.

On behalf of the United Nations system in South Sudan, I extend my deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of South Sudan, and in particular to the family and friends of those killed and injured in this devastating event.

The United Nations is supporting the Government to respond at both national and local levels, and has assisted in the evacuation of injured from Maridi to Juba. The United Nations also airlifted additional medical supplies to Maridi over the week-end to support the emergency response.

The United Nations stands with the Government and people of South Sudan at this difficult moment. I pay tribute to all those involved in the emergency response and wish the survivors a speedy recovery.