DR Congo Mining Minister’s Plane Veers Off Kolwezi Runway, Catches Fire as All Aboard Escape

Overview

• About 20 people, including Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba and 17 staff, evacuated without reported injuries.
• The government-chartered Embraer ERJ‑145, operated by Airjet Angola, had flown from Kinshasa to Kolwezi.
• Social-media videos show the aircraft off the runway with fire at the tail and passengers evacuating.
• The Congolese air accident investigation office has opened an inquiry, and the cause has not been determined.
• The visit was linked to a recent mine disaster near Kolwezi in which more than 40 workers were reported dead.