Zambia’s Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, and seven other people escaped unhurt on Thursday after the helicopter carrying them crashed shortly after takeoff during a campaign tour ahead of the country’s general election.
Nalumango, 71, was leaving a campaign rally in the northeastern town of Nakonde when the incident occurred.
Speaking to Diamond TV Online, the vice president recounted the frightening experience, saying the helicopter came down just moments after it became airborne.
“After we lifted off, I don’t know whether it was a minute or two… and then we came down,” she said, adding that all eight occupants survived without injuries.
“We were eight, and all of us are fine,” Nalumango said.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established, although the vice president noted that the helicopter sustained significant damage.
In a statement, the Zambian government confirmed that Nalumango underwent a routine medical examination following the incident and was discharged in good health.
Images circulating on social media showed the white Air Force helicopter lying on its side after apparently crashing into a tree.
The incident comes as Zambia prepares for its general election scheduled for August 13, with President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term in office. The southern African nation is one of Africa’s leading copper producers.
