The aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-145 operated by Airjet Angola, veered off the runway during landing and caught fire, sending passengers into a panic.
Eyewitness footage shared online showed thick smoke and flames billowing from the plane as passengers scrambled to evacuate.
Eyewitness footage shared online showed thick smoke and flames billowing from the plane as passengers scrambled to evacuate.
Some fell in the chaos, highlighting the dangerous moments they faced while trying to escape.
According to the Minister’s communications advisor, Isaac Nyembo, all 20 people on board were safely evacuated before the fire engulfed the tail section of the aircraft.
According to the Minister’s communications advisor, Isaac Nyembo, all 20 people on board were safely evacuated before the fire engulfed the tail section of the aircraft.
“The evacuation was dramatic, but thankfully, there were no fatalities,” Nyembo said.
He added that the luggage and cargo were damaged in the incident.
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The aircraft had flown from Kinshasa, the capital, and was approaching Kolwezi Airport when it lost its main landing gear and slid off the runway.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the plane skidded on its belly before flames erupted at the tail section.
The Minister and other officials were en route to Kolwezi to inspect the Kalondo mine, where a tragic mining accident had killed 32 people just two days earlier, on Saturday, November 15.
The Minister and other officials were en route to Kolwezi to inspect the Kalondo mine, where a tragic mining accident had killed 32 people just two days earlier, on Saturday, November 15.
The trip was part of a government effort to assess the situation and provide support to affected families.
Social media users quickly reacted to the footage of the accident. Many expressed relief that there were no injuries, while others criticized passengers for focusing on filming videos instead of assisting one another.
Social media users quickly reacted to the footage of the accident. Many expressed relief that there were no injuries, while others criticized passengers for focusing on filming videos instead of assisting one another.
A Twitter user noted, “And as usual, passengers are busy recording videos and carrying their luggage. I wonder about those struggling at the back to evacuate.” Another wrote, “Glad everyone is safe, no injuries reported.”
The Kolwezi incident follows a string of recent air accidents in the region. In Kenya, a light aircraft crash in Kwale County on October 28, 2025, killed 11 people.
The Kolwezi incident follows a string of recent air accidents in the region. In Kenya, a light aircraft crash in Kwale County on October 28, 2025, killed 11 people.
Authorities cited safety concerns and ongoing oversight as critical areas requiring improvement to prevent further tragedies.
Air travel safety remains a concern in parts of Africa due to aging aircraft fleets, limited runway infrastructure, and challenging weather conditions.
Air travel safety remains a concern in parts of Africa due to aging aircraft fleets, limited runway infrastructure, and challenging weather conditions.
The DR Congo Civil Aviation Authority and Airjet Angola are expected to conduct thorough investigations to determine the exact cause of the Kolwezi crash and recommend measures to prevent future incidents.
Despite the dramatic nature of the crash, the safe evacuation of all passengers is being hailed as a positive outcome.
Despite the dramatic nature of the crash, the safe evacuation of all passengers is being hailed as a positive outcome.
Rescue teams reportedly arrived quickly, helping to extinguish the flames and ensure no one was left behind. Observers also praised the crew for maintaining calm and coordinating the emergency response efficiently under pressure.
Minister Louis Watum Kabamba expressed relief and gratitude following the incident. While the plane crash could have resulted in a major tragedy, he highlighted that safety protocols and quick thinking by the crew helped prevent loss of life.
Minister Louis Watum Kabamba expressed relief and gratitude following the incident. While the plane crash could have resulted in a major tragedy, he highlighted that safety protocols and quick thinking by the crew helped prevent loss of life.
He also urged citizens to follow airport safety rules and emphasized the importance of regular inspections for commercial aircraft.
The DR Congo crash serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with aviation in regions with limited resources.
The DR Congo crash serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with aviation in regions with limited resources.
Officials are now under pressure to improve airport safety measures, maintain aircraft standards, and ensure emergency preparedness to avoid similar incidents in the future.
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