LUSAKA, Zambia, July 9 — Zambia’s Vice President Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango has survived a helicopter accident after a Zambia Air Force aircraft carrying her was involved in an incident during take-off in Nakonde, Muchinga Province, the Zambian government has confirmed.
The incident occurred on Thursday while the Vice President was undertaking an official visit to the northern border district. Initial reports circulating on social media sparked widespread concern, with some falsely claiming that the Vice President had died in the crash.
However, in an official press statement issued by Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick K. Kangwa, the government confirmed that the Vice President, together with all passengers and crew on board, escaped the accident safely.
According to the statement, Dr. Nalumango was taken to a nearby medical facility as a precautionary measure, where she underwent a routine medical examination before being discharged.
“The Vice-President is in good health,” the statement said, adding that all those on board the helicopter were safe and well.
The government commended the Zambia Air Force flight crew and emergency responders for their swift and professional response, while also expressing gratitude to the people of Nakonde for their immediate assistance following the incident.
Authorities have launched investigations to establish the circumstances that led to the take-off accident in line with standard aviation procedures.
Despite the scare, the government said Vice President Nalumango is expected to continue with her official programme after being cleared by medical personnel.
The official confirmation brought relief across Zambia and the region, putting to rest unverified reports that had circulated online in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
Government officials have urged the public to rely on official communication and avoid spreading unverified information as investigations into the incident continue.
