Zambia's Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, escaped unharmed after a military helicopter carrying her and seven other people crashed moments after taking off during a political campaign tour in the country's northern region.
The incident occurred on Thursday in Nakonde, a town near Zambia's border with Tanzania, where Nalumango had attended a campaign rally ahead of the country's General Election scheduled for August 13. President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term in office, and senior government officials have been travelling across the country to campaign.
According to preliminary reports, the Zambia Air Force helicopter experienced difficulties shortly after leaving the rally venue. Witnesses said the aircraft remained airborne for only a short time before it descended rapidly and crashed into a nearby area. Images shared on social media later showed the helicopter lying on its side with visible damage after reportedly striking a tree during the crash.
Speaking after the incident, Nalumango described the frightening experience, saying the helicopter had barely been in the air for a minute or two before it suddenly came down. Despite the dramatic landing, she confirmed that everyone on board survived without injuries.
Government officials later announced that the vice president and the other passengers were taken for routine medical examinations as a precaution. Doctors confirmed that Nalumango was in good health and was discharged shortly afterwards.
In an official statement, Zambia's Ministry of Information and Media praised the professionalism of the flight crew, emergency responders, and residents who rushed to assist at the crash scene. The ministry reassured the public that all eight occupants, including the crew members, were safe and accounted for.
The cause of the helicopter crash has not yet been established. Authorities have launched investigations to determine what led to the accident, including whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or another factor may have contributed to the incident.
The crash comes at a critical period as political campaigns intensify ahead of Zambia's highly anticipated elections. Although the incident briefly disrupted campaign activities, government officials indicated that Nalumango is expected to resume her duties once all necessary safety assessments are completed.
The incident occurred on Thursday in Nakonde, a town near Zambia's border with Tanzania, where Nalumango had attended a campaign rally ahead of the country's General Election scheduled for August 13. President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term in office, and senior government officials have been travelling across the country to campaign.
According to preliminary reports, the Zambia Air Force helicopter experienced difficulties shortly after leaving the rally venue. Witnesses said the aircraft remained airborne for only a short time before it descended rapidly and crashed into a nearby area. Images shared on social media later showed the helicopter lying on its side with visible damage after reportedly striking a tree during the crash.
Speaking after the incident, Nalumango described the frightening experience, saying the helicopter had barely been in the air for a minute or two before it suddenly came down. Despite the dramatic landing, she confirmed that everyone on board survived without injuries.
Government officials later announced that the vice president and the other passengers were taken for routine medical examinations as a precaution. Doctors confirmed that Nalumango was in good health and was discharged shortly afterwards.
In an official statement, Zambia's Ministry of Information and Media praised the professionalism of the flight crew, emergency responders, and residents who rushed to assist at the crash scene. The ministry reassured the public that all eight occupants, including the crew members, were safe and accounted for.
The cause of the helicopter crash has not yet been established. Authorities have launched investigations to determine what led to the accident, including whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or another factor may have contributed to the incident.
The crash comes at a critical period as political campaigns intensify ahead of Zambia's highly anticipated elections. Although the incident briefly disrupted campaign activities, government officials indicated that Nalumango is expected to resume her duties once all necessary safety assessments are completed.
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