BREAKING: Plane Carrying Congolese Minister of Mines’ Delegation Veers Off Runway and Catches Fire in Kolwezi

A government aircraft transporting members of the Congolese Minister of Mines’ delegation veered off the runway and burst into flames on Monday in Kolwezi, the capital of Lualaba province. The incident occurred shortly after the plane landed, prompting immediate intervention by airport emergency services.

According to Isaac Nyembo, communications advisor to the Minister of Mines, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. “No injuries were reported,” Nyembo confirmed in a statement issued shortly after the incident, reassuring the public that the minister’s team escaped unharmed.

Eyewitnesses at Kolwezi Airport described scenes of panic as the aircraft skidded beyond the tarmac before catching fire. Firefighters on-site managed to contain the blaze, preventing further damage and allowing rescue teams to reach the passengers quickly.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the mishap, but preliminary assessments suggest a possible mechanical failure or runway control issue. Aviation safety officials are expected to launch a formal investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the accident.

The Minister of Mines’ delegation had been travelling to Kolwezi—one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s key mining hubs—on an official mission linked to ongoing evaluations of mining operations in the region.

Airport operations reportedly resumed shortly after the aircraft was secured and the area cleared. Further updates are expected as investigators begin their work.