Military helicopter carrying Zambia VP crashes during take-off
· The South African
Zambia’s Vice President Mutale Nalumango escaped unhurt after a Zambia Air Force helicopter carrying her crashed shortly after take-off during an official visit to Nakonde District, near the Tanzania border.
Nalumango and seven other people on board survived the incident without injuries after the military aircraft went down moments after leaving the ground in Muchinga Province on Thursday.
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According to Zambian authorities, the helicopter suffered significant damage.
However, emergency teams safely evacuated all passengers and crew members from the wreckage.
Nalumango taken for medical checks
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa confirmed the accident, saying the Vice President, passengers and flight crew were safe.
“Mrs Mutale Nalumango had an accident at take-off in Nakonde, Muchinga Province, during her official visit to the region,” Kangwa said.
He said authorities took Nalumango to Nakonde Hospital as a precaution for a routine medical examination.
“As a standard precaution, she was taken to Nakonde Hospital for a routine check and has since been discharged,” he said.
Nalumango later confirmed that the helicopter crashed shortly after take-off but said everyone on board survived.
Hichilema confirms VP Nalumango is safe
President Hakainde Hichilema later addressed the nation, saying he had spoken directly with Nalumango after the incident.
“We have just spoken with Her Honour the Vice President and our Running Mate, Mrs W.K. Mutale Nalumango, who was involved in a helicopter incident today,” Hichilema said.
“We are grateful to God to report that she is in good spirits and unharmed.”
The President thanked God for protecting the Vice President, the crew and other passengers.
Nalumango helicopter crash investigation begins
Authorities have not yet revealed what caused the helicopter to crash.
Kangwa said relevant authorities would conduct an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The relevant authorities will establish the circumstances of the incident in a normal way,” he said.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) said it welcomed the fact that the incident did not result in injuries or loss of life.
The ruling party praised the flight crew, emergency responders and residents of Nakonde for their quick response following the crash.
It also thanked Hichilema for promptly updating the public, saying his response helped reassure citizens after the accident.
UPND warns against speculation
UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda urged government officials, party members and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information while investigations continue.
The party said it would wait for findings from the relevant authorities before commenting further on the cause of the crash.
It described the incident as a moment for gratitude and unity, urging Zambians to continue praying for the safety of the country’s leaders as preparations for the general election continue.
Despite the accident, government said Nalumango is expected to continue with her scheduled engagements in Nakonde, while her wider campaign programme will resume in due course.
Authorities said more details will be released once investigations into the helicopter crash are completed.