Congolese Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba survived a terrifying plane accident in southern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The aircraft, en route from Kinshasa, veered off the runway during landing at Kolwezi airport in Lualaba province on Monday morning.
“The plane ran off the runway and moments later caught fire,” said Isaac Nyembo, the minister’s communications advisor, speaking at the airport.
Around 20 passengers were evacuated safely before the fire consumed the aircraft, but luggage and personal belongings were destroyed, Nyembo confirmed.
Kabamba and his delegation were travelling to Kolwezi to evaluate the Kalondo mine, site of a deadly accident that killed 32 people Saturday.
Officials described the incident as a “narrow escape,” highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by authorities and workers in the region’s mining sector.
Rescue teams and airport staff responded swiftly, ensuring all passengers exited the plane before the fire spread uncontrollably across the tarmac.
The Kalondo mine disaster has drawn renewed attention to safety standards in the DRC’s mining industry, already plagued by frequent accidents and hazards.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the plane’s runway excursion, aiming to determine mechanical failure, human error, or environmental factors as possible causes.
Kabamba later expressed relief at the survival of all passengers, emphasising the need to prioritise both aviation and mining safety across the country.