Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango escaped injury after a military helicopter carrying her and seven other people crashed shortly after take-off during an official visit to Nakonde District in Muchinga Province.
The incident occurred on Thursday while Nalumango was travelling on official government business near Zambia’s border with Tanzania.
According to Zambian authorities, the Zambia Air Force helicopter sustained significant damage after crashing moments after leaving the ground. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and safely evacuated all passengers and crew members.
Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa confirmed that the Vice President, flight crew and all other passengers survived without injuries.
As a precautionary measure, Nalumango was transported to Nakonde Hospital for a routine medical examination before being discharged after doctors confirmed that she was unharmed.
The Vice President later confirmed that the helicopter had crashed shortly after take-off but reassured the public that everyone on board had survived the accident.
President Hichilema Confirms Vice President Is Safe
President Hakainde Hichilema addressed the nation following the incident, saying he had spoken directly with Nalumango after the crash.
The President said the Vice President was in good spirits and expressed gratitude that there had been no fatalities or injuries among the passengers or crew.
He also thanked emergency personnel and everyone involved in responding to the incident.
The accident comes as Zambia prepares for its next general election campaign, with Nalumango expected to continue participating in official engagements once cleared by medical personnel.
Investigation Into Crash Underway
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the helicopter to crash.
Kangwa said the relevant aviation and government authorities would conduct a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident in line with standard procedures.
The governing United Party for National Development (UPND) welcomed the fact that no lives were lost and thanked the flight crew, emergency responders and residents of Nakonde for their swift assistance following the crash.
UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda urged government officials, party members and the public to avoid spreading unverified information while investigators continue their work.
He said the party would wait for the outcome of the official investigation before commenting further on the cause of the accident.
Government officials indicated that Nalumango is expected to continue with her scheduled activities in Nakonde, while her broader campaign programme is expected to resume at a later stage.
Authorities said additional information will be released once the investigation has been completed.
Source: Government of Zambia and official statements.