Zambian Vice-President Mutale Nalumango escaped unharmed after a military helicopter carrying her and seven other people crashed shortly after take-off in Nakonde District.
Nalumango, 71, was travelling as part of a campaign tour ahead of Zambia’s general election scheduled for 13 August, in which President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term. The helicopter had departed from a campaign rally in Nakonde and was en route to Isoka, where the vice-president was due to address another political gathering, when it went down moments after take-off.
Speaking to Diamond News after the incident, Nalumango recalled the frightening moments before the crash. “After we lifted off, I don’t know whether it was a minute or two… and then we came down,” she said, confirming that all eight occupants of the aircraft escaped without injury.
As a precaution, the vice-president was taken to a nearby medical facility for a routine examination before being discharged in good health. In a statement, Zambia’s Ministry of Information and Media confirmed that Nalumango, the crew and all passengers were safe.
“Her Honour, the Vice President, and all passengers and crew are safe and well. As a standard precaution, she was taken to a nearby medical facility for a routine check and has since been discharged. The Vice President is in good health,” the ministry said. The ministry also commended the flight crew, emergency responders and residents of Nakonde for their swift response following the crash.
Images circulating on social media showed the damaged Zambia Air Force helicopter lying on its side after the accident. Initial reports suggest the aircraft may have clipped a tree before crashing, although authorities have not confirmed the cause. Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
