Breaking: Helicopter of Top African Vice President Crashes on Takeoff as Details Emerge
- Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango and seven others escaped unhurt after their helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, July 9
- The air force helicopter came down near the northeastern town of Nakonde following a campaign rally ahead of Zambia's August 13 elections
- Pictures circulated on social media showed the white helicopter lying on its side after apparently striking a tree
Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango has confirmed she and seven members of her team walked away unharmed after a military helicopter carrying them crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, July 9.
Nalumango, 71, told Diamond TV online that the incident occurred as the group departed a campaign rally in Nakonde, a town in northeastern Zambia. She said the aircraft went down within moments of leaving the ground.
Source: Twitter
"After we lifted off, I don't know whether it was a minute or two… and then we came down," Nalumango said, showing no visible signs of injury. "We were eight and all of us are fine."
The Vice President said the helicopter sustained serious damage in the crash, though the cause of the incident remained unclear.
As a precautionary measure, she underwent a routine medical check following the accident and was discharged in good health, according to an official government statement.
Photographs shared across social media depicted a white Zambian air force helicopter lying on its side, apparently after colliding with a tree during the crash.
Zambia heads to polls on August 13
The crash took place during active campaigning ahead of Zambia's general elections, scheduled for August 13.
President Hakainde Hichilema is widely expected to secure a second term leading the nation, which ranks among Africa's foremost copper-producing countries.
American singer dies in crash
The music industry has been thrown into shock following reports confirming that American singer Oliver Tree died.
According to a post attributed to The Hollywood Reporter, the music star, known for his signature bowl haircut and eccentric persona, was reported dead.
Source: Legit.ng
