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DRC Minister’s Chartered ERJ-145 Burns After Kolwezi Runway Excursion as All Aboard Escape

Investigators have opened an inquiry into the landing accident, with the Mines Ministry saying the planned visit to the Kalondo mine disaster will proceed.

Overview

  • About 20 people, including Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, evacuated safely with no fatalities reported after the jet left runway 29 at Kolwezi Airport.
  • The chartered Embraer ERJ‑145 operated by AirJet Angola was reported as a total loss after fire engulfed the rear section following the landing excursion.
  • Local emergency crews quickly secured the scene, assisted the evacuation, and extinguished flames captured in multiple videos from the airport.
  • Reports identify the aircraft as registration D2‑AJB, flying from Kinshasa with a stop in Lubumbashi before the attempted landing in Lualaba province.
  • Authorities say the cause remains under investigation, with assessments focused on runway conditions, weather at the time, aircraft status, and crew actions.