Zambia’s Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, escaped unhurt after a military helicopter carrying her and seven others crashed moments after take-off in Nakonde District during a campaign tour ahead of the country’s general election.
The incident occurred after Nalumango attended a political rally in Nakonde. The helicopter was heading to Isoka, where she was scheduled to address another campaign event, when it went down shortly after leaving the ground.
Speaking after the accident, the 71-year-old vice president recounted the terrifying experience, saying the aircraft had barely been airborne before it crashed.
“After we lifted off, I don’t know whether it was a minute or two… and then we came down,” Nalumango told Diamond News, confirming that everyone on board escaped without injury.
The helicopter was carrying eight people, including the vice president, crew members and other passengers.
As a precautionary measure, Nalumango was taken to a nearby medical facility for a routine medical examination. She was later discharged after doctors confirmed she was in good health.
Confirming the development, Zambia’s Ministry of Information and Media said the vice president and every other occupant of the aircraft survived the crash without injuries.
“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 praised the flight crew, emergency personnel and residents of Nakonde for their prompt response, which ensured the safety of everyone involved.
Meanwhile, photographs circulating on social media showed the Zambia Air Force helicopter lying on its side with visible damage following the crash.
Although preliminary reports suggested the aircraft may have struck a tree shortly after take-off, authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of the accident.
Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage as part of efforts to determine what led to the crash.
