Kinshasa (Congo)— A serious aviation accident at Kolwezi Airport in Congo sparked panic on Monday after a passenger aircraft carrying Mining Minister Louis Watum Kabamba and several senior officials caught fire during landing.
The plane, arriving from Kinshasa to Lualaba province, skidded off Runway 29 moments after touchdown. Its landing gear failed, causing the aircraft to lose control, veer off the strip, overturn, and burst into flames from the rear section.
Despite the dramatic crash, all passengers, including the minister, escaped unharmed. Videos from the site showed airport staff rushing to battle the blaze as passengers ran from the burning aircraft. The minister’s communications advisor, Ishak Nyembo, confirmed that no injuries were reported, although the aircraft was completely destroyed.
Minister Kabamba was travelling to inspect the Kalondo mine, where dozens of workers recently died after a bridge collapsed due to heavy rain.
Authorities have begun an investigation to determine whether a technical malfunction or unsafe runway conditions triggered the accident, renewing concerns about aviation safety in the region.
