Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba and his delegation survived a terrifying aircraft accident on Monday when their plane veered off the runway and erupted into flames while landing in Kolwezi, southern DR Congo.
According to Isaac Nyembo, the minister’s communications advisor, the aircraft had been flying from Kinshasa when it ran off the runway during landing at Kolwezi Airport in Lualaba province.
“Moments later, the aircraft caught fire,” Nyembo told reporters at the airport. The minister, his officials, and other passengers were evacuated before flames engulfed the rear section of the plane.
Around 20 passengers evacuated safely
Authorities confirmed that all 20 passengers onboard were evacuated safely, though luggage was damaged in the blaze.
Footage from the scene showed the tail and rear half of the Embraer ERJ 145LR engulfed in flames, sending thick black smoke into the sky. Emergency crews rushed in, extinguishing the fire with water hoses while helping passengers flee the wreckage.
A plane carrying a delegation of the Minister of Mines crashes upon landing at Kolwezi airport in the capital of Lualaba District in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) November 17, 2025
Initial reports say all crew members and passengers of the delegation evacuated the aircraft safely. pic.twitter.com/MflPU7nJ9z
Reports indicate that those seated in the front section were able to exit quickly using the aircraft stairs, some running away from the burning plane.
Aircraft operated by Airjet Angola; investigation underway
The chartered Embraer ERJ 145LR was operated by Airjet Angola. Initial assessments suggest the jet overshot runway 29 around 11am, triggering the accident. However, investigators have yet to determine the precise cause. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and authorities have launched a full investigation into the failed landing.
Minister Kabamba, 63, and his team were traveling to Kalondo mine to assess the aftermath of a tragic accident at a semi-industrial copper site, where 32 workers were killed on Saturday.
Officials said the mine collapse was reportedly triggered by panic caused by gunfire from military personnel stationed at the site for security.
