Democratic Republic of the Congo Mines Minister’s Delegation Survives Plane Crash During Landing in Kolwezi

A government plane carrying the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Minister of Mines crashed during landing at Kolwezi Airport in Lualaba Province on Monday, 17 November 2025, at around 1:20 p.m. local time. Despite the dramatic incident, all passengers and crew members evacuated safely, according to early official reports.

The aircraft, identified by local media as an Embraer ERJ-145, had departed from Kinshasa earlier in the day. As it approached Kolwezi, the plane reportedly skidded off the runway, veered into the surrounding strip, and caught fire shortly after stopping. Airport firefighters and emergency personnel responded within minutes, helping everyone exit before flames spread through the cabin.

Approximately 20 people were on board, including Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, advisers, and members of his security detail. No serious injuries were reported, although most of the luggage and documents inside the aircraft were destroyed in the fire.

Initial indications point to a possible technical failure involving the landing gear or tires, which may have caused the aircraft to lose control during touchdown. The Ministry of Transport has opened a full investigation to determine the exact cause, and aviation specialists are already examining the remains of the aircraft.

The minister and his delegation were en route to Kolwezi to visit the site of a recent mining disaster that killed dozens of people in the province. The team was scheduled to assess the situation, meet local authorities, and oversee immediate response measures.

In a brief statement released after the crash, the minister’s office described the event as “a frightening incident” but confirmed that “the minister is safe and continuing with his duties as planned.”

The crash has renewed questions about aircraft maintenance standards and safety oversight in the country, especially for planes used by senior government officials.

Further updates will be provided as investigators release additional findings.