Helicopter Crash Scene Remains Under Tight Security in Nakonde
The crash scene of the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) helicopter carrying Vice President Dr. W. K. Mutale Nalumango remain under security guard as of 22:00 on Thursday, while Government investigations into the cause of the accident continued.
Military personnel and officers from the Fire Brigade were still guarding the scene when a Chete FM News crew visited.
The helicopter had been covered with a tent, while another helicopter that accompanied the flight remained parked nearby under joint security and defence protection.
A physical inspection of the helicopter shows it did not suffer extensive damage.
The most visible damage was to the two rotor blades.
The aircraft hit two mango trees before coming to rest on open ground, with the left rear side, where the VIP seat is located, taking the impact.
The helicopter came down in the only open area without buildings.
A wall fence enclosing two semi-detached houses is about 15 metres from the crash site, while other occupied houses are about 35 metres away.
A school ground is on the opposite side.
A video captured by a 14-year-old citizen shows the helicopter taking off at 15:23 before crashing about two minutes later at exactly15:25.
The footage also shows the Vice President being assisted out of the helicopter through the right rear side.
Government, through Cabinet Office, says investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are underway.
All the 8 people who were on board including vice president Nalumango have survived.