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LUSAKA, Zambia — Zambia’s Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, and seven other occupants narrowly escaped death after a Zambia Air Force helicopter crashed moments after take-off from a political campaign rally in Nakonde, near the Tanzania border.
The dramatic incident, which occurred during the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND)’s campaign activities ahead of Zambia’s August 13, 2026 general elections, ended without casualties as all eight people aboard the military aircraft were safely evacuated despite the helicopter being extensively damaged.
Addressing journalists after the crash, Nalumango described the terrifying ordeal, saying the helicopter had only been airborne for a short time before it suddenly went down.
“We had just taken off when the helicopter came down. There were eight of us on board, and thankfully everyone is safe,” the vice president said.
Following the incident, emergency responders rushed to the scene and evacuated all passengers. Nalumango was taken to a nearby medical facility for a precautionary medical examination and was later discharged after doctors confirmed she had sustained no injuries.
In an official statement, Zambia’s Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, reassured citizens that the vice president was in good health while commending the swift response of the Zambia Air Force, emergency personnel and members of the public who assisted immediately after the crash.
The Zambian Government has ordered a full investigation into the accident to determine its cause. Aviation investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s technical condition, operational records and other relevant factors before issuing their findings.
Although authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the crash, the incident has renewed concerns about aviation safety and the operational reliability of military aircraft used for transporting senior government officials during official and political engagements.
President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking re-election in next month’s general elections, later confirmed that he had spoken with Vice President Nalumango after the accident and expressed gratitude that all those on board survived the crash unharmed.
Political observers say the incident has drawn significant public attention because it occurred at a crucial stage of the country’s election campaign, although government officials have urged the public to await the outcome of the official investigation before drawing conclusions.
The crash marks one of the most significant aviation incidents involving a serving senior Zambian government official in recent years. Safety experts say the findings of the investigation will be closely watched and could shape future protocols for military and VIP air transportation in the southern African nation.
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