The vice president of Zambia said she and seven other individuals were unharmed after their chopper crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday while campaigning for next month’s election.
Zambia heads to the elections on August 13, with President Hakainde Hichilema anticipated to win a second term as president of the country, which is one of Africa’s leading copper producers.
Vice President Mutale Nalumango, 71, told Diamond TV online that the chopper crashed as she and her entourage were leaving a campaign rally in Nakonde, in the north-east.
“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.
