Amanze Chinonye
Zambia’s Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, escaped a potentially fatal aviation incident on Thursday after a Zambia Air Force helicopter carrying her and seven others crash-landed shortly after take-off in Nakonde District, Muchinga Province, Prime Business Africa reports.
The incident occurred as Nalumango concluded engagements in the district and was preparing to continue her tour of the province. The aircraft came down moments after leaving the ground, but all eight occupants survived without injuries.
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Nalumango later confirmed the narrow escape, saying the helicopter had been airborne for only about one or two minutes before it suddenly descended.
“After we lifted off, I don’t know whether it was a minute or two… and then we came down,” she said, confirming that everyone aboard the aircraft was safe.
President Hakainde Hichilema also confirmed the incident, saying he spoke with his deputy shortly after the crash and was relieved that she was unharmed.
“We are grateful to God to report that she is in good spirits and unharmed,” Hichilema said.
Following the incident, the vice president underwent a routine medical assessment and was discharged after doctors confirmed she was in good health. Officials also confirmed that the other occupants of the helicopter were safe.
Images from the crash site showed the white military aircraft overturned near vegetation and residential structures, with visible damage sustained by the helicopter. Security personnel and emergency responders were deployed to secure the area and begin preliminary assessments.
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Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Aviation experts are expected to examine the aircraft’s condition, flight operations and other possible factors that may have contributed to the incident. No preliminary findings have been released.
The crash comes at a politically significant period in Zambia, with the country preparing for general elections scheduled for August 13.
President Hichilema is seeking a second term, while Nalumango, who has served as vice president since 2021, remains a key figure in the administration’s campaign activities.
Although the incident resulted in significant damage to the aircraft, the survival of all eight occupants has brought relief across Zambia, while attention now shifts to the outcome of the investigation and any safety measures that may follow.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
