Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango and Seven Others Escapes Unhurt After Military Helicopter Crash During Campaign Tour
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Finta Mbadiwu
Zambia’s Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, escaped unharmed on Thursday after a Zambia Air Force helicopter carrying her and seven other occupants crashed shortly after takeoff in Nakonde, a town in northern Zambia near the Tanzanian border.
The incident occurred on July 9 as Nalumango departed a political campaign rally ahead of Zambia’s August 13, 2026 general election, where she is seeking a second term alongside President Hakainde Hichilema.
Recounting the incident, the Vice President said the helicopter had barely been airborne for more than a minute before it suddenly came down. She confirmed that all eight people on board survived the crash.
“After we lifted off, I don’t know whether it was a minute or two… and then we came down. We were eight and all of us are fine,” Nalumango said.
In an official statement, the Zambian government confirmed that the Vice President, the flight crew, and all other passengers escaped without serious injuries. As a precautionary measure, Nalumango was taken to a nearby medical facility for routine medical checks before she was discharged in good health.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Although the circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear, photographs from the scene showed the helicopter extensively damaged after crashing moments after takeoff.
The government praised the professionalism of the Zambia Air Force crew, emergency responders, and residents of Nakonde for their prompt rescue efforts and support following the incident.
The crash occurred during a crucial phase of Zambia’s election campaign as political parties intensify activities ahead of the country's general election scheduled for August 13, 2026.
