Zambian vice president survives as helicopter crashes on takeoff

Zambia’s vice president said she and seven other people survived unharmed after their helicopter crashed just after takeoff Thursday while they were campaigning for next month’s elections.

Zambia goes to the polls on August 13 with President Hakainde Hichilema expected to win a second term as head of the country, one of Africa’s top copper producers.

Vice President Mutale Nalumango, 71, told Diamond TV online the helicopter came down as she and her team were leaving a campaign rally in the northeastern town of Nakonde.

“After we lifted off, I don’t know whether it was a minute or two… and then we came down,” she said, showing no signs of injury.

“We were eight and all of us are fine,” she said. It was not clear what caused the crash but the chopper was badly damaged, she said.

Nalumango had undergone a routine medical check after the crash and was discharged in good health, a government statement said.

Pictures shared on social media showed the white air force helicopter on its side having apparently crashed into a tree.

AFP

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