NAKONDE, ZAMBIA – Zambia’s Vice-President, Mutale Nalumango, escaped unhurt on Thursday after a Zambia Air Force helicopter carrying her crashed shortly after take-off in Nakonde District, Muchinga Province.
Nalumango was travelling with seven other people, all of whom also survived the crash without injuries.
The vice-president and her entourage were departing a campaign rally ahead of Zambia’s general elections scheduled for next month, in which President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking re-election.
President Hichilema confirmed the incident in a statement, expressing gratitude that Nalumango was safe.
“Fellow citizens, we have just spoken with Her Honour the Vice President and our running mate, Mrs W.K. Mutale Nalumango, who was involved in a helicopter incident today,” the president said.
“We are grateful to God to report that she is in good spirits and unharmed. We thank God for His protection and for preserving her life.”
In a separate statement, Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, said the vice-president was taken to hospital for a routine medical examination as a precautionary measure and was later discharged.
Kangwa added that Nalumango remained in good health and would continue with her scheduled campaign activities in the region despite the incident.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the helicopter crash, while investigations into the incident are expected to commence.
