Zambia’s Vice President Mutale Nalumango has escaped unhurt after a military helicopter carrying her and seven other people crashed shortly after take-off during an election campaign tour on Thursday.
The incident occurred in Nakonde, a town in northeastern Zambia, where Nalumango had attended a campaign rally ahead of the country’s August 13 General Election. President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term in office in the upcoming polls.
Speaking after the crash, the 71-year-old vice president said the helicopter went down moments after leaving the rally venue.
“After we lifted off, I don’t know whether it was a minute or two… and then we came down,” Nalumango said, according to Diamond TV Online.
She confirmed that all eight people aboard the aircraft survived the incident without injuries.
Zambia’s Ministry of Information and Media later said Nalumango was taken to a nearby medical facility as a precautionary measure, where she underwent routine medical checks before being discharged.
“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 praised the helicopter crew, emergency responders, and residents of the Nakonde area for their quick response and assistance following the crash.
Authorities have not yet provided details on what caused the military helicopter to crash shortly after take-off.
