Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A routine departure from a campaign rally in northeastern Zambia turned into a terrifying ordeal for Vice President Mutale Nalumango and seven others on Thursday, 9 July 2026, when the military helicopter carrying them crashed shortly after takeoff. In a remarkable stroke of luck, all eight occupants walked away unharmed, with the 71-year-old VP later recounting the incident with characteristic composure.
The incident occurred in the Nakonde district of Muchinga Province, a town near the border with Tanzania. Nalumango and her team were departing an election campaign rally ahead of Zambia's general elections scheduled for 13 August. According to her account, the helicopter had been airborne for barely a minute or two before it came down. "After we lifted off, I don't know whether it was a minute or two… and then we came down," she told Diamond TV online, showing no signs of injury. "We were eight and all of us are fine," she added.
The crash left the white air force helicopter badly damaged. Social media images showed the aircraft on its side, having apparently crashed into a tree. The cause of the crash remains unclear. Government officials have confirmed that the relevant authorities will conduct thorough investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following the accident, Nalumango was taken to Nakonde Hospital for a routine medical examination as a standard precautionary measure. Officials confirmed she was later discharged after being assessed by medical personnel and declared to be in good health. The government also confirmed that the vice president would continue with her scheduled engagements in the region.
President Hakainde Hichilema, who is widely expected to win a second term in the upcoming elections, personally confirmed the incident and expressed relief. "Fellow citizens, we have just spoken with Her Honour the Vice President and our running mate, Mrs W.K. Mutale Nalumango, who was involved in a helicopter incident today," the president said in a statement. "We are grateful to God to report that she is in good spirits and unharmed. We thank God for His protection and for preserving her life".
The Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, commended the flight crew and emergency responders for their professionalism during the incident. He also expressed gratitude to the residents of Nakonde District for their swift assistance.
The crash occurred during active campaigning for Zambia's general elections, with President Hichilema widely expected to secure a second term as head of one of Africa's top copper-producing nations. For now, the focus remains on the investigation into what caused the helicopter to go down moments after takeoff — and on the gratitude that all eight people on board walked away alive.
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