Zambian Vice-President Mutale Nalumango escaped unharmed after a military helicopter carrying her and seven other people crashed shortly after take-off in Nakonde District.
Nalumango, 71, was on a campaign tour ahead of Zambia's general election scheduled for August 13, where President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term.
The helicopter had departed from a campaign rally in Nakonde and was en route to Isoka, where the vice-president was expected to address another political gathering, when it crashed moments after take-off.
Speaking to Diamond News after the incident, Nalumango recounted the frightening experience.
"After we lifted off, I don't know whether it was a minute or two… and then we came down," she said, confirming that all eight occupants of the aircraft escaped without injury.
As a precaution, the vice-president was taken to a nearby medical facility for routine checks before being discharged in good health.
In a statement, Zambia's Ministry of Information and Media confirmed that Nalumango, the flight crew, and all passengers were safe.
“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 responders, and residents of Nakonde for their swift response following the crash.
Images circulating on social media showed the damaged Zambia Air Force helicopter lying on its side after the accident.
Initial reports suggest the aircraft may have clipped a tree before crashing, although authorities have not confirmed the cause. An investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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