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Zambia’s Vice President Mutale Nalumango has survived a helicopter crash with seven others after the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff during an election campaign trip in the northeastern town of Nakonde.
Nalumango, 71, said she and the other passengers escaped unharmed after the helicopter crashed as they were leaving a campaign rally ahead of Zambia’s August 13 presidential election.
Speaking to Diamond TV online, the vice president said the aircraft had only been airborne for a short time before it came down.
“After we lifted off, I don’t know whether it was a minute or two and then we came down,” Nalumango said, adding that she and the other passengers were safe.
The vice president said the cause of the crash was not immediately known, but confirmed that the helicopter was badly damaged.
A government statement said Nalumango underwent a routine medical examination following the incident and was discharged in good health.
Images circulating on social media showed a white Air Force helicopter lying on its side, with the aircraft appearing to have crashed into a tree.
The incident occurred as Zambia prepares for national elections on August 13, in which President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term. Hichilema, who first took power in 2021, is campaigning to retain leadership of the southern African nation, one of the continent’s largest copper producers.
The crash did not result in any reported injuries among those on board, with authorities yet to provide details on what caused the helicopter to come down shortly after departure.
